Legal Archives
Legal Challenges
FFRF rids Mich. high school of graduation prayers (May 1, 2013)
5/1/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has helped end a longstanding violation of prayers at a Michigan high school graduation ceremony. A concerned student at Galesburg-Augusta High School in Galesburg, Mich., contacted FFRF hoping to stop at her upcoming May 31, 2013 graduation. FFRF Staff Attorney Rebecca … More »
Lord’s Prayer dropped from Penn. public meetings (April 25, 2013)
4/25/2013 · The Board of Supervisors in Newberry Township, Penn. will no longer recite the Lord's Prayer at monthly meetings, after being contacted by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.A concerned local resident contacted FFRF to report the state/church violation, which had been going on for years. … More »
Ohio Prayer Breakfast breaks ties with city government (April 24, 2013)
4/24/2013 · Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, the city of Columbus, Ohio, will no longer promote, finance or plan an annual prayer breakfast.Columbus' Mayor Michael Coleman and a city office coordinated and organized the 2012 interfaith prayer service, which took place on June 12, … More »
FFRF makes clear National Day of Prayer is not school-sponsored (April 23, 2013)
4/23/2013 · A concerned parent contacted the Freedom From Religion Foundation when posters announcing the National Day of Prayer were put up around Tiffin High School in Tiffin, Ohio. The posters were promoting the May 2 National Day of Prayer and contained a bible quote from Matthew … More »
FFRF: school play is no time to pray (April 17, 2013)
4/17/2013 · An Indiana primary school will make sure school officials no longer lead prayer at school functions after the Freedom From Religion Foundation contacted the school district.A concerned parent of a student at North Knox Primary School contacted FFRF after the principal delivered a Christian … More »
Teaching the ‘Truth About Dinosaurs’ a mammoth mistake (April 16, 2013)
4/16/2013 · Following a complaint by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Missouri elementary school will no longer host guest speakers who attempt to indoctrinate students with misinformation about science, history and reality.A concerned parent reached out to FFRF after students as young as five years … More »
FFRF halts Ark. teacher’s religious promotion (April 15, 2013)
4/15/2013 · Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a math teacher at an Arkansas high school will no longer promote or discuss her religion in class.FFRF was informed that the teacher regularly proselytized her captive audience of students at Harmony Grove High School in Benton, … More »
FFRF bold move removes cross on Ga. school property (April 15, 2013)
4/15/2013 · Dawson High School in Dawsonville, Ga. painted over a depiction of a Latin cross located on a large boulder on the high school’s property, after a complaint by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott contacted the attorney for the Dawson County … More »
Highlighted Court Victories
4/14/2013 · 2013 HIGHLIGHTED COURT VICTORIES FFRF Wins First Faith-based Challenge 4/11/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation took and won the fully adjudicated federal lawsuit challenging direct funding of a faith-based agency in 2002. The Foundation challenged the government funding of Faith Works, a Milwaukee group dedicated to … More »
FFRF Wins First Faith-based Challenge
4/11/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation took and won the fully adjudicated federal lawsuit challenging direct funding of a faith-based agency in 2002. The Foundation challenged the government funding of Faith Works, a Milwaukee group dedicated to bringing "homeless addicts to Christ." As a presidential … More »
FFRF Wins Montana Faith-based Challenge
4/11/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a federal lawsuit in April 2003 challenging the funding and merger of two Montana state offices with the "Montana Faith-Health Cooperative."The Foundation and three Montana Foundation members are suing the Montana Office of Rural Health, its executive director … More »
FFRF Challenges Funding of MentorKids
4/11/2013 · The lawsuit sought a court order to HHS to discontinue funding MentorKids, as well as an order to enjoin HHS from "further disbursement of funding to faith-based mentoring groups until HHS has a demonstrated plan in place to comply with its constitutional obligations." On … More »
FFRF Halts University of Minnesota "Faith/Health" Entanglement
4/11/2013 · The University of Minnesota agreed in September 2006 to drop plans to sponsor a "faith health leadership course" after removing itself from a "faith health consortium," in response to a federal lawsuit filed by FFRF on March 25, 2005. The "faith/health leadership program" was … More »
FFRF v. Gonzales : FFRF Sues Federal Bureau of Prisons over Faith-based Prison Programs
4/11/2013 · In its ninth major lawsuit challenging the "faith-based initiative," the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a lawsuit May 5, 2006 in federal court challenging faith-based prison programs at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.The lawsuit challenges previous multifaith programs set up by the Bureau, as … More »
FFRF Wins Challenge of "Chaplaincy" For Indiana Family & Social Services
4/11/2013 · FFRF's major legal coup in 2007 was ending the first chaplaincy for state workers ever set up in the nation, in which a pastor was hired by Indiana to bring "faith into the workplace" for state employees in the Family and Social Services Administration. … More »
FFRF prevents religious sermons from continuing in Ala. schools (April 9, 2013)
4/9/2013 · After contact from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an Alabama school district cancelled assemblies by a local preacher who had turned a talk against drinking and driving into an evangelizing sermon.A student at Chelsea High School in Chelsea, Ala. contacted FFRF, saying speaker Siran … More »
FFRF keeps anti-bullying prevention secular in La. School (April 9, 2013)
4/9/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation ensured religious songs would not be included in programs at a grade school in Crowley, La. A concerned parent of a student at Mire Elementary contacted FFRF after a play promoting anti-bullying included a Christian song. FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell … More »
Wash. school finds out teaching intelligent design is not so smart (April 8, 2013)
4/8/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation stood up for students' rights to learn science based in facts, not the supernatural, after a middle school teacher taught and promoted intelligent design in Mead, Wash.The science teacher at Northwood Middle School showed his seventh grade class a … More »
FFRF cooks up deal with Fla. Wendy’s (April 8, 2013)
4/8/2013 · Floridian atheists and non-Christians will now receive the same discounts from a Florida Wendy's as the burger restaurant's church-going patrons, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation.The restaurant staff denied an atheist a 20% discount available every Sunday to patrons who bring in a … More »
Jesus fish fished out of Mo. City Hall (April 4, 2013)
4/4/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation helped ensure the removal of a Jesus fish display from the Municipal Court Office in the Rolla City Hall (Mo.), after a concerned local resident asked FFRF to complain. FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell contacted the city officials in an … More »
Christian movie “Facing the Giants” faces FFRF . . . and fails (April, 3 2013)
4/3/2013 · Thanks to immediate action taken by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a middle school in Kirtland, N.M., canceled plans to indoctrinate students by showing them a proselytizing Christian movie.The Kirtland Middle School principal had planned to show a movie, "Facing the Giants," billed as … More »
FFRF ends discount for churchgoers at Milwaukee's German Fest (March 29, 2013)
3/29/2013 · In response to a request by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, German Fest in Milwaukee will no longer illegally require attendees to go to the festival's church service in order to enter the festival for free on Sunday morning.FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott contacted … More »
FFRF ensures businesses benefit, not churches, from Wis. Town's grant program (March 26, 2013)
3/26/2013 · The Common Council of Muskego, Wis., voted 6-1 against giving a $3,000 grant to a local church to build a new sign after the Freedom From Religion Foundation weighed in on the issue. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott sent a March 26 letter to the … More »
FFRF helps Calif. city keep public median clear of religious objects (March 20, 2013)
3/20/2013 · The city of Santa Ana, Calif., removed a Latin cross attached to a tree on one of the city's medians after being notified about the problem by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.A concerned local resident contacted FFRF about the church/state violation. FFRF Senior Staff … More »
FFRF ends school-sponsored prayers at Texas high school’s football games (March 17, 2013)
3/17/2013 · A high school in Stephenville, Texas, will no longer include school-sponsored prayer in its post-football game activities, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation.Football games at Stephenville High School frequently included post-game prayers led by coaches. One prayer even included a coach putting his … More »
FFRF ensures non-religious veterans also remembered at school assembly (March 14, 2013)
3/14/2013 · Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Pennsylvania elementary school's assemblies — including their Veterans Day assembly — will no longer include organized prayer.FFRF was contacted by a concerned parent after Lawrence B. Morris Elementary School, Jim Thorpe, Pa., held a Veterans Day … More »
Weekly religion classes at public Kan. high school don’t add up (March 13, 2013)
3/13/2013 · A Haysville, Kansas high school will no longer invite local clergymen to proselytize students on a weekly basis, after the Freedom From Religion Foundation spoke up for a student who was pressured by a teacher to attend the classes.The high school's weekly religious class, … More »
Newdow v. The Congress of the United States
3/12/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), along with 19 other plaintiffs is suing the U.S. treasury for stamping "In God We Trust" on currency. Honorary FFRF board member, Mike Newdow, is acting as legal counsel in the suit, which was filed in the U.S. … More »
FFRF scores goal for state/church separation at S.C. high school (March 12, 2013)
3/12/2013 · A soccer coach at a Charleston suburb high school will no longer lead prayers before the school’s soccer matches, and coaches at all the district middle and high schools will review policies required to uphold the separation of religion and public schools. A concerned … More »
FFRF and parents seek removal of Ten Commandments monuments in front of two Penn. public schools
3/11/2013 · FFRF and parents of children in two Pennsylvania public schools filed suits in September to remove Ten Commandments displays in front of the schools.FFRF and two parents filed the first suit on Sept. 14, 2012, against the New Kensington-Arnold School District (Pa.) to challenge … More »
FFRF helps end Ala. church’s religious school assemblies (March 11, 2013)
3/11/2013 · A Baptist church will no longer use school assemblies on the "History of Easter" and the "History of Christmas" to proselytize students in an Alabama school district, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation.A concerned parent of two young children in the Houston County … More »
FFRF ensures Mich. grade school graduation stays secular (March 11, 2013)
3/11/2013 · A grade school in Spring Lake, Mich. will no longer allow organized prayer at its graduation ceremony, after the Freedom From Religion Foundation contacted the school district about illegal prayer at the 2012 graduation.At last year's graduation for the charter school, West Michigan Academy … More »
FFRF removes religious postings from Mo. health clinic (March 10, 2013)
3/10/2013 · A publicly-funded health clinic in the Kansas City area will no longer post religious plaques and decorations on the walls, after receiving a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.A patient of Swope Health East contacted FFRF after she had to witness religious displays … More »
FFRF removes prayer from U.S. Air Force plane (March 8, 2013)
3/8/2013 · The U.S. Air Force has removed a "Commando Prayer" from the side of a U.S. Air Force aircraft, due to action taken by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.A concerned service member contacted FFRF about the prayer. FFRF responded by sending the commanding Colonel a … More »
FFRF educates Okla. school district on state/church separation (March 6, 2013)
3/6/2013 · An Oklahoma school district superintendent instructed teachers not to promote religion in classrooms, after correspondence with the Freedom From Religion Foundation.A concerned family in the Wynnewood Public Schools District contacted FFRF with concerns about a 6th grade teacher displaying posters with bible quotes and … More »
FFRF ensures secular graduation ceremonies at a Fla. College (March 6, 2013)
3/6/2013 · The Gideons will no longer hand out bibles during graduation ceremonies at St. Johns River State College, a public school in Palatka, Fla., thanks to action taken by the Freedom From Religion Foundation.FFRF received a complaint from a concerned student who was recently a … More »
FFRF sues IRS for preferential treatment of churches, which are exempt from filing fees, filing Form 990
3/4/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and its North Carolina chapter, Triangle Freethought Society, are suing the Internal Revenue Service for giving religious groups preferential treatment.Under IRS regulations, all 501(c)3 non-profit organizations must file an onerous annual Form-990 — except churches. The Form 990 requires … More »
FFRF keeps Calif. school district’s holiday performances secular (March 1, 2013)
3/1/2013 · After a complaint by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Santa Ana elementary school will honor the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, and no longer schedule a nativity play in its winter program.A concerned parent contacted FFRF after the winter program at Jackson … More »
FFRF helps Calif. school rethink religious homework assignment (Feb. 27, 2013)
2/27/2013 · Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, students at a grade school in Riverside, Calif., were not required to complete a proselytizing religious homework assignment.A concerned parent contacted FFRF after a sixth grade teacher at Harrison Elementary School assigned students homework that treated biblical … More »
FFRF keeps Christian decoration off of a Texas police department (Feb. 19, 2013)
2/19/2013 · The police department in San Angelo, Texas, agreed to remove a winter holiday display of a lit-up Latin cross from the top of their main building, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert contacted the San Angelo Police Department … More »
FFRF Secularizes Miss. grade school’s choir concerts (Feb. 14, 2013)
2/14/2013 · Choir concerts at grade schools in Ocean Springs, Miss. no longer include Christian worship songs, and are held at the school instead of a church, thanks to the Freedom from Religion Foundation. A concerned parent contacted FFRF after their child participated in a school concert … More »
FFRF, ACLU challenge Jesus painting in Ohio school
2/12/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio filed a lawsuit on Feb. 3, 2012, on behalf of plaintiffs who seek removal of a portrait of Jesus from Jackson Middle School in Jackson. Doe 1, Doe 2 and Doe … More »
FFRF ends bible distribution at Georgia elementary school (Feb. 12, 2013)
2/12/2013 · Thanks to the Freedom from Religion Foundation and a concerned parent, neither the Gideons nor any other group will be allowed to distribute bibles at S.L. Mason Elementary, a public school in Valdosta, Ga. The Gideons set up a table in the main hallway of … More »
FFRF helps keep prayer out of local City Council (Feb. 12, 2013)
2/12/2013 · The City Council of Onalaska, Wis. voted not to commence government prayer to open their meetings. Secular-minded community members, the Freedom from Religion Foundation, La Crosse Area Freethought Society, and others spoke up, and a majority of common council members rejected the proposal. At the … More »
No more teacher-led prayer in Ala. kindergarten (Feb. 12, 2013)
2/12/2013 · After receiving a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an Alabama school district has ended the teacher-led prayer of kindergarteners.A concerned parent contacted FFRF after a kindergarten teacher at Clay Elementary School in Clay Ala., required students to learn a prayer and recite … More »
FFRF ends Georgia middle school teacher’s religious songs (Feb. 11, 2013)
2/11/2013 · Following a complaint filed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation, a sixth grade science teacher at Lakeview Middle School in Rossville, Ga. will no longer sing Christian songs during instructional time to students. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote a letter to Catoosa County Public … More »
FFRF springs a change on Ohio school’s Easter assembly (Feb. 7, 2013)
2/7/2013 · Thanks to action taken by the Freedom from Religion Foundation and a brave group of Wauseon High School students, the Wauseon, Ohio high school will now have an inclusive spring assembly instead of a proselytizing Easter assembly. Previous Easter assemblies at the high school encouraged … More »
FFRF ends coach led prayer in Texas high school (Feb. 7, 2013)
2/7/2013 · Thanks to the Freedom from Religion Foundation, religion has been separated from Pottsboro Independent School District’s athletic program. FFRF Staff Attorney Elizabeth Cavell received a complaint from an injured party that the football coach at the Texas school was leading student athletes in a pregame … More »
North Carolina college agrees coach’s prayers unconstitutional (Feb. 6, 2013)
2/6/2013 · Coaches at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., have been instructed to stop proselytizing their student athletes, following a complaint by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The football coach at Appalachian State University, Jerry Moore, had been inviting preachers to give sermons and pray in … More »
FFRF ends Indiana principal’s lunchtime proselytizing (Jan 28, 2013)
1/28/2013 · An elementary school principal in Ligoner, Ind., will no longer push his religious beliefs and judgments on other district employees through religious newsletters and prayers at staff lunches, thanks to the Freedom from Religion Foundation. A newsletter the principal sent to staff read: “People may … More »
FFRF cleans up Jackson, Tennessee’s school district website (Jan. 22, 2013)
1/22/2013 · The Freedom from Religion Foundation, acting on behalf of a complainant, helped make the separation of church and state a reality in the Jackson, Tenn. school district. Proselytizing messages will no longer be a part of the teachers' biographical sections on schools' websites in … More »
FFRF removes bible verse from Fla. waiting room (Jan 21, 2013)
1/21/2013 · A V.A. medical center in Lake City, Fla., has removed a bible verse posted on a wall in its waiting room, after FFRF contacted it about the First Amendment violation.A visitor to the Lake City Florida Veterans Medical Center contacted FFRF, expressing concern that … More »
FFRF guarantees equal rights for lesbian students in Hawai’i (Jan. 16, 2013)
1/16/2013 · Students who identify as gay or lesbian will no longer be victims of harassment and bullying fueled by religion, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation.Two female high school students were reprimanded by their bus driver for cuddling, kissing and showing other public displays … More »
FFRF causes Ga. school officials to stop hawking bibles to schoolchildren (Jan. 16, 2013)
1/16/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has put an end to another case of the Gideons peddling their bibles to children in public schools, this time in Bartow County, Ga.A parent of a student at White Elementary contacted FFRF in September of 2012, concerned that … More »
FFRF ends teacher led prayer in Alabama grade schools (Jan. 15, 2013)
1/15/2013 · Two grade schools in Albertville, Ala., have been reminded teacher-led prayer is unconstitutional by the Freedom from Religion Foundation.FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel contacted Albertville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Frederic Ayer in a letter on Jan. 7, 2013. Seidel asked Ayer to investigate and … More »
FFRF calls out religious songs and bullying at Oklahoma grade school (Jan. 11, 2013)
1/11/2013 · A grade school in Sulphur, Okla., will no longer ostracize students by requiring them to take part in plays and songs with themes from the Christian religion.A concerned parent of a second grader at Sulphur Elementary School contacted the Freedom from Religion Foundation when … More »
FFRF gives Gideons the boot in Tennessee (Jan. 8, 2013)
1/8/2013 · Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, members of the Gideon organization will no longer be allowed in Robertson County (Tenn.) Schools. After FFRF received a complaint from a distressed parent whose child was ostracized for not taking a bible, FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca … More »
FFRF ensures end to Michigan school staff member’s proselytizing (Jan. 8, 2013)
1/8/2013 · After a program assistant sent home an inappropriate religious gift with students, the Monroe County (Mich.) Intermediate School District is ensuring that school policy will be followed by the assistant and other staff in the future. The faculty member works with children as young as … More »
FFRF reminds Utah school there is no need to honor prayer at National Honors Society (Jan. 7, 2013)
1/7/2013 · Utah's Iron County Schools will no longer allow prayers to be given at school-sponsored events after receiving a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.FFRF received a complaint from a concerned parent that there were two student-led prayers given at Canyon View High School's … More »
FFRF makes Gideon bible history in Oklahoma school district (Jan. 7, 2013)
1/7/2013 · The Gideons will no longer distribute New Testament bibles to young students in Grove (Okla.) School District, thanks to the Freedom from Religion Foundation and concerned parents who originally challenged the distribution. The Gideons had been distributing their bibles to the district's fifth grade … More »
Okla. school’s bible handouts over, thanks to FFRF (Jan. 7, 2013)
1/7/2013 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation ended bible handouts at Cross Timbers Elementary School in Tecumseh, Okla.A class of 5th grade students was presented with Jehovah's Witness bibles during the school day at the elementary school. Students were instructed to write their names inside the … More »
FFRF forces Michigan school district to reconsider relationship with church (Jan. 3, 2013)
1/3/2013 · After intervention from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Alma (Mich.) Public Schools will now require a church using its facilities to pay a formal rental fee and remove religious items left scattered around a district school. The school allowed the church to hold Sunday worship … More »
FFRF eliminates religious music from Illinois elementary school (Dec. 21, 2012)
12/21/2012 · Main Street K-3 School (Shelbyville, Ill.) has removed two Christian spirituals from its holiday concert after receiving a letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A concerned parent contacted FFRF after her child’s holiday concert included the songs “Mary Had a Baby” and … More »
FFRF removes cross from Iowa state park (Dec. 19, 2012)
12/19/2012 · Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a house inside George Wyth State Park on Iowa state property will no longer display a lighted cross. A local complainant reported that a large cross was affixed to the garage of a park ranger’s home inside the … More »
FFRF prevents teachers from making students fundraise for Salvation Army (Dec. 17, 2012)
12/17/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation was able to intervene before students at the Medford (Wis.) Area Middle School were sent to ring bells to raise money for the Salvation Army, a Christian organization. The Salvation Army lists its mission as “to preach the gospel of … More »
FFRF tackles coaches’ prayers at Ohio high school (Dec. 17, 2012)
12/17/2012 · Coaches at Spencerville High School will no longer pray with their students after the Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter of complaint to the school district. Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote a letter on Nov. 6, 2012, to Superintendent Joel Hatfield, informing him … More »
FFRF helps kick church out of New York school (Dec. 17, 2012)
12/17/2012 · The Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District (N.Y.) has banned groups from using school facilities for religious worship after the Freedom From Religion Foundation urged them to adopt a revised policy. FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor sent a Dec. 3, 2012, letter to the school board informing … More »
FFRF stops Ohio government display from crossing the line (Dec. 17, 2012)
12/17/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has successfully petitioned the town of Stratton, Ohio, to remove a large display of a Latin cross from its Municipal Building.Two large crosses, one Latin and the other Greek, were prominently displayed on the façade of Stratton's government building. … More »
FFRF ends prayer at Georgia University’s events (Dec. 13, 2012)
12/13/2012 · North Georgia College & State University will no longer be including prayers at University-sponsored events after receiving a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A concerned student informed FFRF that at an event that was mandatory for some students, faculty members led everyone in … More »
FFRF causes religious emails at a Kansas school to be reviewed (Dec. 7, 2012)
12/7/2012 · Wichita Public Schools in Wichita, Kan., is revising school policy after receiving a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote to Wichita Public Schools Superintendent John Allison in a Nov. 8 letter. Two staff members at Wichita West High … More »
FFRF drives away Texas 'police chaplain' (Dec. 6, 2012)
12/6/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has held the Cedar Park Police Department accountable for having an unlawful Latin cross on the police seal and badge. The organization also took issue with the city's "Police Chaplain," especially since he drove a vehicle with a police … More »
FFRF helps Florida town cradle the Constitution (Dec. 6, 2012)
12/6/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded the town of Century, Fla., to halt a proposal to put a nativity scene on public property. FFRF took issue with the town of Century's planned erection and maintenance of a nativity scene at the town hall back … More »
FFRF sues IRS over non-enforcement of church electioneering restrictions
12/4/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation took the Internal Revenue Service to court over its failure to enforce electioneering restrictions against churches and religious organizations, calling it a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and of FFRF’s equal protection rights. FFRF filed … More »
FFRF kicks Christianity out of Georgia classroom (Dec. 4, 2012)
12/4/2012 · A teacher at Carver Middle School in Monroe, Ga., "turned her public school classroom into a Sunday school," preaching to students and talking about the importance of Christianity. A local family was appalled by this blatant violation of the First Amendment and contacted the Freedom … More »
FFRF silences unconstitutional Hawaii concert (Dec. 3, 2012)
12/3/2012 · The Moanalua High School Music Department (Honolulu, Hawaii) has canceled an unconstitutional concert in response to a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. For four years Moanalua High School had been partnering with New Hope Church to put on a holiday concert. Students and … More »
FFRF, student, bring suit over graduation prayer
12/1/2012 · FFRF and one of its South Carolina members filed suit on May 30, 2012, against School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties challenging a District policy that sanctions graduation prayers. Matthew Nielson, a graduating senior from Irmo High School, objected to the prayer … More »
FFRF rids Kentucky school of Gideons (Nov. 30, 2012)
11/30/2012 · Representatives of the Gideons International will no longer be allowed to distribute bibles in Grant County (Ky.) Schools after a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A concerned parent contacted FFRF after her child was taken out of class to receive a bible. Senior … More »
FFRF sues Warren mayor over crèche display (Dec. 22, 2011)
11/30/2012 · On behalf of a local member, the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a federal lawsuit on Dec. 22, 2011, in the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, charging Mayor James R. Fouts, of Warren, Mich., with government censorship of its nonreligious views and unlawful … More »
FFRF challenges Catholic shrine on Big Mountain
11/29/2012 · FFRF filed suit in U.S. District Court in Montana, challenging the Forest Service's decision to renew a special permit for a "shrine to our Lord Jesus Christ" on federal property in the Rockies. The Knights of Columbus, a conservative Roman Catholic men's club, has … More »
FFRF v. Geithner Parish Exemption (US District Court Western District of Wisconsin) (Sept. 13, 2011)
11/28/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation, with plaintiffs Annie Laurie Gaylor, Anne Nicol Gaylor and Dan Barker, filed a nationally significant federal lawsuit in Madison, Wis., on Sept. 13, 2011, challenging tax benefits for “ministers of the gospel,” commonly known as “the parsonage exemption." FFRF … More »
FFRF challenges Arizona Day of Prayer in state court (Jan. 4, 2012)
11/27/2012 · FFRF, its Valley of the Sun Chapter and several members as well as plaintiffs who are Buddhist, Christian and Muslim, filed a lawsuit on Jan. 4, 2012, in state court, challenging the constitutionality of Arizona Gov. Janice K. Brewer's annual Arizona Day of Prayer. … More »
FFRF ends prayer at Ark. high school football game (Nov. 27, 2012)
11/27/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation enforced the Constitution at East Poinsett County High School in Lepanto, Ark., by successfully ending the pre-game prayer that was said over the loudspeaker by a local pastor. FFRF Staff Attorney Patrick Elliott wrote to Superintendent Michael Pierce on Nov. … More »
FFRF ends Texas principal's proselytizing newsletters to staff (Nov. 15, 2012)
11/15/2012 · A principal will no longer be able to proselytize to the staff at Deaf Smith Elementary School in Rosenberg, Texas, in weekly newsletters, thanks to the action taken by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt sent a letter on Nov. 12 … More »
FFRF 'helps' Oklahoma school counselors leave religion at the door (Nov. 9, 2012)
11/9/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has helped Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Oklahoma City, Okla., rethink its use of religion in school assemblies and counseling sessions. A local complainant witnessed several incidents of school-sponsored religion during an Oct. 4, 2012, assembly. A third party counselor … More »
FFRF takes Springfield, Ill. mayor out of prayer breakfast (Nov. 8, 2012)
11/8/2012 · The city of Springfield and its mayor will no longer be associated with an annual prayer breakfast held in the city, following action by the Freedom from Religion Foundation and citizens of Springfield.FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert sent a letter to Springfield Mayor … More »
FFRF halts bible distribution at Virginia school (Nov. 7, 2012)
11/7/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has put an end to unlawful bible distribution at Park View Middle School in Boydton, Va. Officials at Park View Middle School sanctioned illegal visits from Gideons International. These men were able to distribute bibles on school property to unsuspecting … More »
FFRF finishes the chapter on Arkansas bible distributions (Nov. 5, 2012)
11/5/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has prevented Gideons International from distributing bibles to fifth grade students at Central Elementary School in Magnolia, Ark. Prior to FFRF's involvement, men from Gideons International were scheduled to give a presentation to young students and then present them with … More »
FFRF ends teacher led prayers and distribution of religious fliers in Kentucky grade school (Nov. 1, 2012)
11/1/2012 · Elkhorn City Elementary School in Elkhorn City, Ky., will no longer allow organized prayer or display religious advertisements or fliers within the school building. The principal of Elkhorn City Elementary School and Pike County Schools Superintendent Roger Wagner took this action as a result of … More »
Ended Religious Cancellations by Post Office
10/31/2012 · The Foundation's very first lawsuit, challenging the use of a religious cancellation by the Post Office in Madison, Wisconsin, successfully ended the violation in November 1977. The federal lawsuit set national precedent. … More »
FFRF tells Georgia school 'nothing fails like prayer' (Oct. 30, 2012)
10/30/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped the Cherokee County School District (Canton, Ga.) from including religious messages on anti-drug ribbons during "Red Ribbon Week." During a special drug prevention week, the Cherokee County School District distributed ribbons to students with a religious message: "God … More »
FFRF's 'first priority' is to warn against religious clubs in Alabama school (Oct. 29, 2012)
10/29/2012 · Austin High School (Decatur, Ala.) teachers will no longer sponsor the First Priority Club (FPC), thanks to a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The FPC is a Christian, non-curricular club that describes itself as a "vision with a comprehensive plan of action. . … More »
FFRF directs California teacher to put an end to religious songs (Oct. 25, 2012)
10/25/2012 · First graders at Ada Givens Elementary School in Merced, Calif., will no longer be instructed to sing "God Bless America" in the classroom. A school district parent told the Freedom From Religion Foundation that her six-year-old daughter was being taught to sing "God Bless America" … More »
FFRF takes down religious elementary school sign in Kentucky (Oct. 24, 2012)
10/24/2012 · A member of the Martin County Kentucky Community told the Freedom From Religion Foundation that a local elementary school’s electronic sign read, “Attend church this Sunday.” FFRF Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert sent a letter on Oct. 17 to Superintendent of Martin County Schools Mark Blackburn … More »
A Mississippi high school will no longer promote religious banners at sporting events (Oct. 22, 2012)
10/22/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation succeeded in convincing Stone High School to stop religious messages from being promoted at the school’s football games. FFRF received a complaint after Stone High School cheerleaders held a banner with a bible quote at a football game. FFRF Staff … More »
FFRF Takes Church Sign off Michigan Elementary School Lawn (Oct. 11, 2012)
10/11/2012 · Endeavour Elementary School in New Haven, Mich., took down a lawn sign promoting a church that rents the school's cafeteria every Sunday. After receiving a complaint from a local resident, FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote the Superintendent of New Haven School District Keith … More »
FFRF honors the Constitution, removes Mississippi Ten Commandments (October)
10/1/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has encouraged the the Brandon Police Department in Brandon, Miss., to take down large Ten Commandments display. The monument was situated inside of the police department in a public area, for all to see. A local resident was taken aback … More »
FFRF stops prayer at Texas school pep rallies (Sept. 26, 2012)
9/26/2012 · A Texas school district no longer selects a student to lead a prayer during pep rallies as a result of a letter it received from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote to Superintendent of Ballinger Independent School District Will Brewer … More »
FFRF stops prayers at Mississippi football games (Sept. 24, 2012)
9/24/2012 · Prayers will no longer be broadcast over the loudspeaker at West Jones High School football games. In a letter dated Aug. 26, 2011, Freedom From Religion Foundation Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt told the Jones County School District in Ellisville, Miss., these pre-game prayers were illegal: … More »
FFRF pulls the plug on religious displays in California hospital (Sept. 17, 2012)
9/17/2012 · A public hospital in Hollister, Calif., will no longer allow Christian prayers and verses to be displayed on its walls, after a complaint by Freedom From Religion Foundation. Hazel Hawkins Hospital formerly displayed Christian prayers, including a plaque entitled “Nurse’s Prayer” on the wall of … More »
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