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A school district has repaid hundreds of dollars to Child Evangelism Fellowship’s (CEF) Good News Club at the request of Liberty Counsel, because the fees violated the First Amendment.

The Midlothian Independent School District agreed that CEF should receive a discounted rate. The policy allows youth-oriented, character-building groups, such as the Boy Scouts, a waiver of facilities use fees. These types of groups are only required to pay utilities, which are significantly less. Originally the district claimed that CEF was not entitled to a fee waiver because it “did not support the goals of the district.” The district then reclassified CEF as a “church” and required payment of the higher church rate.

Liberty Counsel sent a letter pointing out that CEF was also a youth-oriented, character-building group that supported the Texas Education Code’s statutory character training curriculum goals and was, therefore, entitled to a fee waiver. Charging CEF a higher rate because of its religious viewpoint violated the First Amendment.

The district agreed with Liberty Counsel, refunding the overcharged fees and confirming that CEF would have its fees waived going forward. This savings has enabled a second CEF chapter at a different school in this district, effectively doubling CEF’s outreach in the district.

Now more children will have the opportunity to participate in the Good News Clubs. Public elementary schools must provide equal access to Good News Clubs. Any discrimination between similar secular and religious clubs because of religious viewpoint is impermissible.

Good News Clubs are an after-school enrichment program open to all elementary-age students, regardless of religious background or lack of religious belief. The groups meet weekly immediately after school, and trained volunteer teachers provide instruction and activities incorporating Biblical principles, moral values, character qualities, and respect for authority.  Students can only attend Good News Club meetings if their parents register them, but there is no charge for attending the meetings and no donations are solicited.

Read our News Release for more details.
 

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