Summary
Brian Hickman loved to sing and perform to Christian music–something he had learned to do at church. So when his elementary school announced auditions for an upcoming talent show, Brian saw the perfect opportunity to showcase his love for performing. He chose to perform movements to the song, “We Shine.” But after auditioning for the talent show, the school principal called Brian’s mother to explain that Brian had to pick a different song. The principal claim the song said “Jesus” too many times and that it would be offensive to people. Yet the school found nothing objectionable in other songs that were approved for the elementary school show, including songs discussing teenage “love,” relationship problems, suggestive dancing, and violent imagery. With the talent show just days away, Brian’s family called Alliance Defending Freedom for help.
Brian filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District — one of the largest in the country — challenging the censorship of his talent. Within days, the school reversed course and announced that Brian would be permitted to perform his religious song.
Building upon victories like this, Alliance Defending Freedom continues to fight for students such as Brian who are told that their religious expression is not welcome inside the schoolhouse gates.
Case timeline
- January 2011: ADF attorneys filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles Unified School District officials on behalf of Brian Hickman.
- February 2011: After ADF filed for a temporary restraining order, district officials announced they would no longer prohibit Brian from performing his Christian song at the talent show.
- March 2011: The district agreed to change the policy that originally prevented Brian from performing.
