February 5, 2008
We're constantly working to tear down the artificial wall of "separation of church and state" – one brick at a time. With the ACLU and its allies' 80-year head start, there are hundreds of bricks to remove to restore the religious freedom our Founding Fathers intended.
You might call it "constructive demolition" – reversing decisions that were erected to block religious freedom – and I take great pleasure in reporting every wonderful opportunity God's grace gives us to build up and re-establish the liberties that once were the hallmark of this great nation.
And re-building is one brick at a time, and a particularly important brick can now be laid – both figuratively and literally – at Pennsylvania State University.
In 2007, officials at Penn State provided alumni with an opportunity to purchase bricks and stone pavers for the new "Alumni Walk," located on campus. A 2001 graduate, James Pursley, decided to participate and in April placed an order for a brick costing $250. He requested that his name, graduation year, and the words "Joshua 24:15" be included. But he quickly hit a part of that "wall of separation."
James' application was rejected in August; officials said their policy did not permit "religious messages," and that the reference "would not be in keeping with the intent of the Walk." This despite the fact that other personal messages
were allowed.
Thankfully, the road to settling this issue wasn't too long. ADF attorneys filed a lawsuit in December, and university officials promptly agreed to allow the Scripture reference.
"Colleges and universities are supposed to represent the marketplace of ideas," said ADF Litigation Staff Counsel Heather Gebelin Hacker. "We are pleased that Penn State officials agree that his First Amendment rights should be respected and took such quick action to correct the problem. I know Mr. Pursley looks forward to putting this behind him and returning to the task of supporting the university he loves."
The ADF Center for Academic Freedom has faced down many schools who remain stubbornly opposed to any hint of religious freedom –
such as multiple lawsuits against University of Wisconsin-Madison officials for continued discrimination against Christian students.
Whether the legal matter involves removing unconstitutional restrictions on religious expression, or seizing the opportunity to place a new brick for freedom, your continued prayerful support makes it possible for us to continue the good fight for our First Liberty. And by God's grace, we can – and will – continue to win this great fight. Thank you for your faithful, dependable support.