Court: Georgia Tech “Safe Space” program not safe from Constitution - 5.1.08
A federal judge has ruled another policy unconstitutional at Georgia Institute of Technology in a lawsuit Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed on behalf of two students. The court already struck down a “speech code” policy at the university, but additionally ruled Wednesday that provisions of the school’s “Safe Space” program discriminate against religion and are therefore unconstitutional.
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Vt. school recognizes Bible club after ADF attorneys file suit - 4.29.08
As a result of a settlement reached Tuesday between Alliance Defense Fund attorneys and the Middlebury Union High School District, school officials will grant a student-run Bible club formal recognition. The change will allow members to gain access to the same benefits afforded to other campus clubs.
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T-shirt allowed - just in time for spring - 4.29.08
Alex Nuxoll is now free to exercise his First Amendment rights at school. Neuqua Valley High School, in Illinois, had previously forbid Alex from wearing a T-shirt that reads "Be Happy, Not Gay."
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Illinois school must allow “Be Happy, Not Gay” T-shirt - 4.23.08
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit reversed a lower court’s ruling against an Illinois student Wednesday, saying the district court must order a Naperville high school to suspend its ban on a T-shirt that reads “Be Happy, Not Gay” while the student’s lawsuit proceeds. School officials prohibited student Alex Nuxoll, who is represented by Alliance Defense Fund attorneys, from wearing the clothing.
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ADF attorneys protect Alabama student’s right to perform religious song - 4.14.08
A Christian student told he could not perform a religious song at a high school talent show was permitted to perform it with another student Friday, after ADF attorneys representing the student sent a letter to Baldwin County Public Schools officials on his behalf. The student’s song won the talent show.
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ACLU fails in lengthy attack on Baptist children’s home - 4.2.08
After a 10-year legal battle, a federal judge has dismissed an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit against a home providing social services for at-risk children. The lawsuit claimed the home, Sunrise Children’s Services, should not receive partial expense reimbursements from the government for its needy youth programs because of the home’s religious affiliation. The Alliance Defense Fund provided funding for attorneys with the Christian Legal Society and Thomas More Law Center to defend the home in the suit.
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9th Circuit upholds constitutionality of Wash. Ten Commandments display - 3.26.08
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled Wednesday that a six-foot granite monument inscribed with the Ten Commandments in the city of Everett does not violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Alliance Defense Fund funded a friend-of-the-court brief filed by Steve Fitschen of the National Legal Foundation.
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Court rejects California’s challenge to healthcare conscience rights - 3.19.08
A federal court Tuesday rejected California’s challenge to the “Weldon Amendment.” The federal statute forbids state and local governments that receive federal funds from discriminating against healthcare providers that refuse to perform or refer patients for abortions. The court sided with three groups of pro-life medical professionals and others, including the federal government, in rejecting California’s challenge.
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Charges dismissed against Christians who shared faith on N.J. boardwalk- 3.7.08
A New Jersey judge dismissed criminal charges Wednesday against four Christians who chose to share their faith on the Atlantic City boardwalk. An Alliance Defense Fund-allied attorney representing the group argued that their constitutional rights were violated by the actions of local police.
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Free speech finally free in Cal State University system - 3.4.08
Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund Center for Academic Freedom have successfully reached a settlement with California State University system officials to eliminate problematic restrictions on student speech at all 23 of the system’s schools.
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HOA supports neighborhood improvement - 3.4.08
You might not always enjoy paying dues to your homeowners' association (HOA), but the residents of a neighborhood in Florida will probably write the check with pleasure this month, after the HOA joined forces with an ADF ally to shut down a sexually-oriented business operating in the neighborhood.
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