A Victory for Free Expression: High School Student Wins Right to Display Bible Verses
A New York high school student, Sabrina Steffans, has emerged victorious in her fight against her school district over the display of Bible verses in her paid parking space. Steffans, a senior at Grand Island High School, had submitted three designs for her parking space, two of which featured crosses and Bible verses from John 14:6 and Jeremiah 29:11. However, the school initially rejected these designs, citing a policy against “religious artwork.” With the help of the law firm First Liberty, Steffans threatened legal action, arguing that her constitutional right to religious expression under the First Amendment had been violated.
A Constitutional Right to Religious Expression
After receiving a demand letter from First Liberty, the school district reversed its decision and allowed Steffans to display her original designs featuring Bible verses. Keisha Russell, senior counsel at First Liberty, praised the outcome, stating that “the First Amendment protects students’ private expressions of faith in public schools.” This victory not only upholds Steffans’ right to express her faith but also sets a precedent for students’ freedom of expression in public schools.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
While the school district’s superintendent, Brian Graham, disputed claims that the district had violated students’ rights, he announced that the district would review its senior parking space program to assess whether changes are needed. This development ensures that students like Steffans can express themselves freely while also promoting a more inclusive environment. Steffans’ victory serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting students’ constitutional rights and promoting freedom of expression in public schools.
