School District Reverses Decision, Allows Christian Clubs on Campus
Mission Viejo, CA — The Saddleback Valley Unified School District voted Tuesday to reverse their decision to ban all non-academic clubs including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other Christian clubs. The decision was made with a 4-0 vote and one abstention.
The school board had previously closed down all non-academic clubs under a “closed forum” policy, after a Fellowship of Christian Athletes successful lawsuit brought by Pacific Justice Institute affiliate attorney John Mendoza.
The appellate court had ruled 3-0 that the school district could not exclude the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, while accepting other non-academic groups.
The new policy, which begins in time for the new school year, allows all clubs, including religious clubs, but excludes any club that might advocate illegal activity.
“We know the Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be very pleased with this decision,” said Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute. “The reversal of the earlier decision will serve as a model for other school districts facing similar questions regarding religious clubs on campus.”
The Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.