Parents file motion to intervene after ACLU sues school that permitted religious expression

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Represented by attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund, four parents of students have filed a motion to intervene in a federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against the students’ school district.  The ACLU filed the suit on behalf of a couple who complained that the school violated the Constitution’s Establishment Clause.

“Despite what the ACLU and their supporters would like people to believe, public schools are not a constitutionally-mandated ‘religion-free’ zone,” said ADF Senior Counsel Nate Kellum. “Once again, it is up to the courts to defend the First Amendment rights of those threatened by secularist bullies.”

Doug and Christy Gold and James and Jennifer Walker, parents of students at Lakeview Elementary School, do not want school district officials to be intimidated into becoming hostile to religious expression at the school, so they filed the motion to intervene to represent their interests.  The Golds and Walkers, along with other parents, participate in a number of events, including “See You at the Pole,” The National Day of Prayer, and a parent-led organization called “Praying Parents.”

Both sets of parents are also concerned that religious elements of Thanksgiving and Christmas could eventually be banned from the school’s classrooms and holiday programs.  In the suit, the ACLU objects to religious elements of a kindergarten Christmas program.

“Religious expression at school cannot be viewed as an automatic endorsement of religion by officials,” Kellum said.  “As long as the ACLU and its allies continue their campaign of stripping all elements of Christianity from the public square, ADF will press on in its defense of those who are targeted.”

ADF is a legal alliance defending the right to hear and speak the Truth through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.