School District Gets Invitation to Court after Denying Elementary School Student

Religious Liberty & Free Speech Over Christmas Party Invitation

Randy Wenger, Chief Counsel of the Independence Law Center and attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund were in court again this morning here in Pennsylvania fighting for your religious liberty and free speech.

The case involves an elementary school student at the Pocono Mountain School District in Pennsylvania who was told by school officials that she could not invite classmates to a Christmas party at her church. We’ve gone to bat for this little girl, and for the principles involved.  Our liberty is at stake.

Sometimes when the government is confronted with the unconstitutional and frankly preposterous nature of their restrictions they quickly back down and change their policies—and no court action is necessary.

Here, Federal Judge Richard Caputo had already ruled once in favor the elementary school student, but the school district pushed back, arguing that they need the power to place restrictions because such invitations can create a “disturbance in the community.”  Really?
This is a case where government doesn’t understand its appropriate limits. However, lawyers with the Independence Law Center and Alliance Defense Fund were available for this case—and plan to continue their involvement as long as necessary.

For more information on the work of the Independence Law Center, visit us on the web at
www.independencelawcenter.org.

Merry Christmas from Pennsylvania Family Institute

Dear friend,

It has been our joy and privilege to serve you and all Pennsylvania families over this past year.  With Christmas now upon us, let us reflect on the author and giver of life, who came to Earth to seek and save that which was lost.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David); To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 

(Luke 2:1-20 KJV)

From the staff and board of the Pennsylvania Family Institute,
have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Sincerely,

Michael Geer, President

Merry Christmas from Pennsylvania Family Institute

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:10-14

The birth of our savior changed our world forever. Let us always remember to proclaim His good news in all that we do.  Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Pennsylvania Family Institute

Ready to Protect Your Child’s Religious Expression

From attorney Randall Wenger:

I just received a call today about a public high school student who was told he could not sing a song in school simply because it was a Christian song. ‘Tis the Season, I suppose. Many of our public schools are bent on censoring anything religious out of our culture, and it only seems to get worse this time of year. We want to celebrate the “holidays” but refuse to acknowledge the deeply religious underpinnings of this Christmas season.

 

The Independence Law Center, the Pennsylvania Family Institute’s pro bono law center, stands ready to protect your child’s religious expression this season. Like I told the caller earlier today, there have been plenty of court cases upholding the right of our children to be free from religious censorship in the public schools. Just as I believe that case can be quickly worked out, many of the issues your child faces can be worked out in a friendly manner once the school better understands the Constitution.

 

If your child is facing religious censorship or have another situation involving religious liberties, life, or traditional values—or if you can partner with us through financial support—please visit us at www.independencelawcenter.org or call Randall Wenger at 717 657 4990.