A concerned family member of a student of Wichita Falls Independent School District in Irving, Texas, reported to FFRF that there was a prominent display advertising the Good News Club — a religious club — in Fain Elementary School. The advertisement indicated that the club has scheduled meetings within the school each Tuesday.
FFRF wrote to the district informing it that it violated the U.S. Constitution if religious clubs were being granted special access to advertise to students and families.
“As you are aware, it is a well-settled constitutional principle that public schools may not advance, prefer, or promote religion,” wrote FFRF Associate Counsel Sam Grover.
An attorney representing the district responded on Feb. 19 assuring FFRF that the Good News Club would not be granted special access to advertising.
FFRF gets cancellation of graduation invocation
FFRF has ended unconstitutional invocations at a California high school.
A community member reported to FFRF that the Wasco Union High School graduation program had included an invocation in 2017. FFRF Associate Counsel Elizabeth Cavell wrote to Wasco Union High School District Superintendent Lori Albrecht on Jan. 19, warning the district that the Supreme Court has struck down prayers at school-sponsored events time and again — including public school graduations.
FFRF was informed on Feb. 13 that the district will not be including an invocation as part of its 2018 commencement program.
