by Jorge Gomez • 2 minutes
A federal district court recently ruled against our client Heather Rooks, a member of the Peoria Unified School Board in Arizona. She is being prohibited from quoting Bible verses at school board meetings, even during the open comment portion that allows for free expression. She finds quoting Scripture to be calming and a source of strength in performing her official duties.
The Court rejected Heather’s request for absolute legislative immunity so that she could continue reciting Scripture during meetings. First Liberty—alongside the law firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher—will appeal the ruling.
“Heather plans to resume saying the Bible verses at the next board meeting,” said First Liberty attorney Erin Smith.
Heather began her term as an elected member of the Peoria School Board in January 2023. During each school board meeting, the agenda includes a brief “board comments” period when they may offer remarks of their own choosing.
Since the beginning of her public service on the board, Heather opened her comments by quoting a short verse from the Bible. The school board received letters from anti-religious organizations demanding it stop Heather. The previous school board president told Heather that she must stop quoting Scripture.
First Liberty and the law firm Gibson Dunn filed a federal lawsuit in 2023, arguing that the school district’s ban on religious expression is viewpoint discrimination and that it’s illegal to single out religious voices for censorship.
Heather isn’t doing anything wrong or illegal. Quite the opposite. She’s actually embodying the best of our nation’s history and traditions.
Heather—like America’s presidents and countless public leaders—exercised her constitutional right to quote a sacred text in a public setting. She too wants to be part of the longstanding tradition of government officials solemnizing public occasions, and the First Amendment declares that she has every right to do so.
“Citing a quotation from any text, be it sacred or secular, for the purpose of encouragement or inspiration is completely protected under the Free Speech Clause of the U.S. Constitution,” Smith explains. “That conclusion is compelled by Supreme Court precedent and confirmed by history and tradition.”
Censoring religious speech betrays what religious liberty in America is all about. Public employees don’t have to check their faith at the door or abandon their opinions, convictions and beliefs simply because they work for the government. The First Amendment makes sure of that.
The law is clear that religious perspectives must be treated the same as other views. If school board members can quote a philosopher or historical figure to encourage those attending a meeting, they certainly can quote a religious text.
Heather needs your continued support for the next phase of this legal battle. A victory that ensures her right to freely express her faith could also impact public officials and employees across the country. Please donate to First Liberty today.
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