Situation
Although students have long had the right to engage in religious expression in public schools, districts across the country often prohibit them from exercising these rights based on a false view of the law.
This discrimination has been highlighted in recent years by events such as the Day of Truth, which was established to counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda and express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective. In several cases, students have been punished for participating in this day. In contrast, the GLSEN's Day of Silence often obtains school support and promotion.
ContextADF is working to help protect these cherished freedoms and to restore rights guaranteed by the Constitution. In many cases, issues have been resolved by contacting the appropriate school officials and explaining the correct interpretation of the law. When this has not been successful, however, ADF attorneys are willing to take the necessary legal action to ensure that Christian students are treated no differently than other students.
OppositionGLSEN - "The Day of Silence was an event conceived of by students themselves in response to a very real problem of bullying and harassment they saw on their campuses," Jennings said. "The Day of Truth is a publicity stunt cooked up by a conservative organization with a political agenda; it's an effort by adults to manipulate some kids." - Kevin Jennings, GLSEN's executive director (
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,153231,00.html)
AlliesFocus on the Family – “Keep informed about the rights that teachers, students, and parents have to participate honestly and freely in the public education system." (
http://www.family.org/cforum/fosi/education/re/)
See more
ADF Allies.
Related information
Read "The Truth about Student Rights" (.pdf) (order this pamphlet)
Knowing Your Rights - A Guide for Christian Students (order this handbook)
"See You at the Pole" legal memo
Visit the Day of Truth web site