Public Schools Intolerant of Religious Expression

Students at public schools throughout America are finding it increasingly difficult to exercise their religious beliefs without facing hostility and censorship. While clubs like the Young Democrats of America, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and Students Against Destructive Decisions are allowed to operate freely on school grounds, expression of religion is often prohibited.

Christian students trying to live out their faith at school should be treated no differently than other students. But that’s exactly what’s happening at elementary, middle, and high schools across the country – and that’s exactly what happened to these Christian students defended by the Alliance Defense Fund:

• A straight-A student at Tomah High School in Wisconsin drew a picture in art class containing a cross and Scripture reference. His teacher removed the drawing from the classroom display and gave him a zero for the assignment, a formal reprimand, and two days of detention. Why? Because his art work depicted religious beliefs, which violated the school’s unconstitutional policy.
• When members of a Christian club at an Arizona high school requested to share information during morning announcements – like any other student club – about their weekly prayer meetings, the assistant principal said no and promptly tore up the request. Why? Because the announcement contained the word “prayer.”
• A 5th-grade boy was told by his Los Angeles public school principal that he would not be allowed to perform in an after-school talent show. Why? Because there was “too much” Jesus in his song. By God’s grace, ADF attorneys achieved a swift victory in this case that allowed the boy to perform to his favorite Christian song praising Jesus’ name. Watch his touching performance.

Denying constitutional rights – like free speech, equal access, and freedom of religious expression – is not the only way public schools are attacking Christian students and their beliefs. Shockingly, advocates of homosexual behavior are using our publicly funded schools to target vulnerable students – as early as kindergarten – to accept homosexual behavior as normal and good for society. They are forcing their agenda on impressionable youth by altering public school curricula to include books and sexual indoctrination programs that promote same-sex relationships – and even participation in homosexual behavior! And they are doing this with or without parental permission.

Protecting Student Rights

 

ADF is committed to protecting the rights of students and their parents. In many cases, issues can be resolved when ADF sends letters or contacts the appropriate school officials and explains the correct interpretation of the law. However, when necessary, ADF and its nearly 2,100 allied attorneys may take legal action to ensure that students’ rights are protected so they can freely live out and share their faith at school.

Your prayers and support will help make it possible for ADF to continue to provide legal assistance at no cost to these students. By giving a generous gift – large or small – you can make a significant difference for religious freedom. And by establishing a recurring monthly gift, you will have the opportunity to help keep the door open for the spread of the Gospel in public schools for generations to come.

Need Help? – Has your child or grandchild been censored or punished for sharing his or her faith at school? Contact our legal intake team today.

Resources – Help the students in your life know their constitutional rights at school. These informative resources from ADF will help educate them:

• The Truth About Student Rights pamphlet
  
• Knowing Your Rights - A Guide for Christian Students
  
• “National Free to Speak Campaign”, a joint project of ADF and Gateways to Better Education