Legal Archives
Legal Challenges
FFRF sues IRS over non-enforcement of church electioneering restrictions
11/14/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation took the Internal Revenue Service to court over its failure to enforce electioneering restrictions against churches and religious organizations, calling it a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and of FFRF’s equal protection rights. FFRF filed … More »
FFRF and parent challenge junior high school Ten Commandments
10/3/2012 · FFRF and a parent of a student filed suit on Sept. 27, 2012, against the Connellsville Area School District (Pa.) in a challenge to a Ten Commandments monument in front of the District's junior high school. Plaintiffs FFRF and "Doe 5" seek a declaration … More »
FFRF, parents, seek removal of school's Ten Commandments monument
10/1/2012 · FFRF and two parents filed suit on Sept. 14, 2012, against the New Kensington-Arnold School District (Pa.) in a challenge to a six-foot-tall Ten Commandments monument in front of Valley High School. FFRF wrote to the District in March of 2012 requesting that the … More »
FFRF stops prayers at Mississippi football games (Sept. 24, 2012)
9/24/2012 · Prayers will no longer be broadcast over the loudspeaker at West Jones High School football games. In a letter dated Aug. 26, 2011, Freedom From Religion Foundation Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt told the Jones County School District in Ellisville, Miss., these pre-game prayers were illegal: … More »
FFRF pulls the plug on religious displays in California hospital (Sept. 17, 2012)
9/17/2012 · A public hospital in Hollister, Calif., will no longer allow Christian prayers and verses to be displayed on its walls, after a complaint by Freedom From Religion Foundation. Hazel Hawkins Hospital formerly displayed Christian prayers, including a plaque entitled “Nurse’s Prayer” on the wall of … More »
FFRF gets faculty out of Christian clubs in Texas (Sept. 14, 2012)
9/14/2012 · Thanks to a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint, a teacher in Abbeville County Consolidated School District, Texas, will no longer be allowed to actively participate in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes student club. The Wright Middle School science teacher was the Christian group’s faculty sponsor, … More »
FFRF stops proselytizing teacher in Arkansas (Sept. 13, 2012)
9/13/2012 · Thanks to a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint, an elementary teacher in Little Rock, Ark., will no longer be permitted to proselytize her students. The elementary school teacher in the Little Rock School District discussed her religion in class and, according to students, “referred to … More »
FFRF stops coaches from praying with students in Indiana (Sept. 12, 2012)
9/12/2012 · After receiving a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Monroe High School in Alexandria, Ind., will no loner permit coaches to participate in or facilitate pre-game prayer. In a May 23 letter to the Alexandria Community School Corporation, Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel cautioned, “federal … More »
FFRF stops Mississippi restaurant’s discriminatory discount (Sept. 11, 2012)
9/11/2012 · A restaurant in Wiggins, Miss., will no longer offer a preferential discount to church-going patrons, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Western Sizzlin’ Steakhouse promoted a “half off buffet” discount to customers who presented a “church member appreciation card.” The discount was valid only … More »
FFRF kicks religion out of New York classroom (Sept. 11, 2012)
9/11/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped a Cheektowaga Central High School teacher from pushing religion in her classroom in Cheektowaga, N.Y. The Advanced Placement Anatomy teacher posted bible verses and a drawing of three crosses around her classroom. She also invited a guest speaker … More »
FFRF stops school board prayer in Michigan (Sept. 10, 2012)
9/10/2012 · The Pellston, Mich. Public Schools Board of Education meetings no longer open with prayer, after receiving a complaint from the Freedom of Religion Foundation on behalf of a local resident. The Pellston Board of Education began its scheduled meetings with a prayer, often delivered by … More »
FFRF stops government prayer in Oklahoma (Sept. 10, 2012)
9/10/2012 · The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has stopped its practice of opening its meetings with Christian prayers. In an Aug. 1 letter, Freedom From Religion Foundation Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel warned the board to discontinue the prayers, “Time and again, federal courts overturn government-sponsored prayers that … More »
FFRF gets state-sponsored religious commercial off the air (Sept. 5, 2012)
9/5/2012 · The New Mexico Department of Health has stopped airing an anti-smoking television commercial containing religious messages, after receiving a Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint. The department sponsored an ad campaign called “Dear Me” which included a commercial featuring a woman in a church pew praying, … More »
FFRF gets religious displays out of Florida classroom (Aug. 31, 2012)
8/31/2012 · A high school teacher at Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Fla., is no longer permitted to display religious images in his “Critical Thinking” classroom. The Freedom From Religion Foundation received a complaint that the teacher was displaying a Ten Commandments statue on his desk … More »
FFRF gets religious sign removed from New York public park (Aug. 29, 2012)
8/29/2012 · Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a baseball field in Oneida, N.Y. no longer displays a sign that references god. Maxwell Field in Oneida displayed a posted sign entitled Little League Pledge on its gates. The very first line of the pledge read, “I … More »
Florida “In God We Trust” license plate scam under investigation (Aug. 27, 2012)
8/27/2012 · FFRF contacted four separate Florida agencies on May 4, 2012, including the Department of Consumer Services, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, asking them to investigate what appeared to be a “scam in God’s name.” The … More »
Georgia football games ban prayer-giver (August 23, 2012)
8/23/2012 · On behalf of a local complainant, FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to Dougherty County School, Ga., on May 23, 2012, to point out numerous constitutional violations by an area representative of Fellowship for Christian Athletes, who gave post-game prayers to Westover and Dougherty … More »
Restaurant Ends Bulletin Discount (Aug. 22, 2012)
8/22/2012 · FFRF ended a church bulletin discount at Las Banderas Mexican Restaurant in Valdosta, Ga., giving 20% off of food for customers who brought in a church bulletin. The restaurant owner agreed to end the discount and remove the promotion from the restaurant … More »
FFRF stops Community College violation (Aug. 22, 2012)
8/22/2012 · FFRF was informed that a staff member at the college sent an email to all district employees via various faculty and staff listservs inviting them all to join a prayer at the pole event. The email advocated for Christian prayer and contained several New … More »
FFRF halts graduation prayer in Mogadore, Ohio (Aug. 22, 2012)
8/22/2012 · A member contacted FFRF regarding an invocation included in the 2011 commencement ceremony at Field Local Schools in Mogadore, Ohio. This prayer was listed in the official program and given by the class treasurer. FFRF Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote to the … More »
FFRF halts graduation prayers at Alabama school (Aug. 21, 2012)
8/21/2012 · A graduating senior contacted FFRF to report that East Limestone High School in Athens, Ala., had scheduled an official graduation invocation and benediction, in which te student leading the prayer asked everyone to bow their heads and pray. The invocation and benediction were listed … More »
FFRF complaint changes "Faith and Family Night" at Pennsylvania university (Aug. 20, 2012)
8/20/2012 · In response to a complaint from FFRF, California University of Pennsylvania agreed that it was impermissible and unconstitutional to offer reduced admission to basketball games for those who mention their church affiliation. CalU, a public university, offered a "Faith and Family Night" on Jan. … More »
Did the ‘man in the sky’ see FFRF’s complaint coming? (Aug. 16, 2012)
8/16/2012 · FFRF took a complaint that a teacher at a Mandarin immersion elementary school in the San Mateo Foster City School District, Calif., had told students that the “man in the sky can see everything you do, but you can’t see him because he is … More »
God hates divorce in Missouri? (Aug. 16, 2012)
8/16/2012 · FFRF received a complain about a local pastor/ class presenter appearing to hijack required educational programs for families about divorce in Family Court in Jackson County, Mo., to talk about himself and his faith. FFRF was told that for the three-hour course, a minister … More »
FFRF is successful in ending Milwaukee Irish Fest violation (Aug. 16, 2012)
8/16/2012 · Irish Fest organizers in Milwaukee announced on Aug. 16, 2012, that they were dropping a promotion that violated civil rights laws by rewarding Mass attendance, in response to a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Irish Fest will now offer everyone who drops … More »
FFRF and Whiteville settle lawsuit over crosses
8/15/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Whiteville, Tenn., and its mayor, James Bellar, to force him to remove crosses on the Whiteville water tower, in front of Whiteville City Hall and on the city-owned sidewalk. FFRF began … More »
FFRF stops pre-game prayers in South Dakota school (Aug. 14, 2012)
8/14/2012 · Castlewood School District, S. Dak., will no longer hold pre-game prayers, following a complaint by FFRF. A video posted on YouTube showed school district personnel leading and participating in prayers before sporting events. On May 23, 2012, FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel … More »
FFRF complaint: San Francisco Board Drops Religious Oath (Aug. 14, 2012)
8/14/2012 · The San Francisco Assessment Appeals Board removed “so help me god” from the script used for swearing-in parties before Board hearings in response to an FFRF complaint. Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote to the Board in February 2012 indicating that the complainant felt compelled … More »
Louisiana Schools End Graduation Prayers (Aug. 10, 2012)
8/10/2012 · FFRF was informed by a parent that two schools in Iberville Parish Schools (Plaquemine, La.) hosted teachers and pastors who delivered illegal prayers at two graduation ceremonies in May. The prayers were listed in the commencement programs. Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt wrote … More »
FFRF stops prayers, bible readings at Georgia senior center (Aug. 9, 2012)
8/9/2012 · Employees at Peach County Senior Citizens Center, Fort Valley, Ga., were regularly leading residents in prayer before meals, playing Baptist hymns on the piano, and reading from the bible to celebrate any event or special day, according to a senior citizen complainant. … More »
FFRF gets religious narrative out of Ohio school assembly (August 9, 2012)
8/9/2012 · The Antwerp Local School District in Ohio will no longer include religious messages in school assemblies thanks to a complaint from FFRF. The District hosted a Veterans Day assembly, which included a flag folding ceremony and a recitation of “The Meaning Behind … More »
Thanks to FFRF, “All Faiths Day” open to those of no faith (Aug. 9, 2012)
8/9/2012 · The West Michigan Whitecaps baseball team acknowledged after receiving a complaint from FFRF that any publication would suffice to qualify for an “All Faiths Day” promotion. The team had promoted the discount saying, “keep your church bulletins and bring them with you when you … More »
FFRF educates Mississippi teacher (Aug. 8, 2012)
8/8/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped a high school teacher in Raymond, Miss., from proselytizing and distributing bibles in her classroom. A U.S. history teacher brought “Truth for Youth Bibles” to class for students to take and distribute. The same teacher asked … More »
FFRF stops coach from promoting Christian club (Aug. 8, 2012)
8/8/2012 · Thanks to an FFRF complaint, a coach at Hutto High School in Texas will no longer be allowed to play an active role in the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. The high school coach was the Christian group’s faculty advisor, but he … More »
FFRF halts prayer at Alabama school soccer tournament (Aug. 6, 2012)
8/6/2012 · FFRF received a complaint that the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) hosted a soccer tournament that included prayer. Video footage revealed that a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes delivered an invocation at the Athens versus Chelsea girls soccer championship. … More »
FFRF halts evangelical assembly in Tennessee (Aug. 1, 2012)
8/1/2012 · When it comes to public school assemblies, evangelists need not apply. Thanks to a letter from Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert, Signal Mountain Middle/High School is on notice that future school assemblies cannot use warnings about alcohol as pretext for Christian proselytization. … More »
Municipal Court offers alternatives to 12-step program after FFRF complaint (Aug. 1, 2012)
8/1/2012 · Thanks to a letter from FFRF, the Rocky River Municipal Court will now offer secular alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous. As part of a rehabilitation program in Rocky River, which is just west of Cleveland, the court required some offenders to either attend Alcoholics Anonymous or … More »
FFRF gets proselytizing group out of Texas elementary schools (July 30, 2012)
7/30/2012 · Performances from proselytizing groups will no longer be allowed in Joshua Independent School District, thanks to an FFRF complaint. A North Joshua Elementary School assembly was hosted by KidStand, a Christian ministry group that stages school performances to convert children to Christianity. … More »
FFRF erases religious voicemail recording in Missouri (July 28, 2012)
7/28/2012 · The outgoing recorded message of the License Office in Rolla, Mo. no longer includes an endorsement of religion. The Rolla License Office voice mail greeting, which played when the line was busy and during non-business hours, ended “God bless you.” In a … More »
FFRF stops daily prayers in Mississippi elementary school (July 23, 2012)
7/23/2012 · The Tishomingo County School District will no longer allow teachers to lead students in prayer. Teachers at Iuka Elementary School in Iuka, Miss., were leading their students in prayers before heading to lunch. The prayers became a normal daily routine, with teachers encouraging … More »
FFRF ends Mercer Co., Ky., high school graduation prayer (July 20, 2012)
7/20/2012 · An invocation and benediction were given at the 2012 Mercer County High School graduation ceremony in Frankfort Ky. Both prayers, also listed in the official program for the ceremony, made references to Jesus Christ and one ended with a genuflection. FFRF Senior … More »
FFRF moves church trailer from Tenn. school (July 19, 2012)
7/19/2012 · FFRF wrote to Maury County Public Schools (Columbia, Tenn.) in July 2012 regarding a trailer from WellSpring Christian Church that was permanently parked next to the sign for Spring Hill Elementary. The church uses the elementary school for worship services on Sunday. FFRF Senior … More »
FFRF removes cross from PS 76 Q, NYC (July 18, 2012)
7/18/2012 · Earlier this spring, FFRF received a complaint from a New York resident who reported that one of the science teachers at Public School 76 Queens (a NYC public school) displayed a cross on the wall next to the blackboard. This display also included the … More »
FFRF tells U.S. Army to quit mowing Catholic Charities’ lawns (July 17, 2012)
7/17/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped a violation in which soldiers were being forced to mow Catholic Charities' lawn. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel drafted and sent a letter on July 5 on behalf of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and … More »
FFRF stops prayer at Michigan high school graduation (July 17, 2012)
7/17/2012 · Hastings Area School District in Michigan refrained from including a prayer in their 2012 high school graduation ceremony after receiving a letter of complaint from FFRF. For at least the past 10 years Hastings High School has included an illegal invocation in its … More »
FFRF removes creche from public space in Ellwood City (July 16, 2012)
7/16/2012 · Seven months after the Freedom From Religion Foundation first protested a city nativity scene, the Ellwood City Borough Council (Pa.) has agreed to uphold the First Amendment. The council voted down a proposal on July 16 that would likely have brought the nativity back … More »
FFRF stops bible distributions in Georgia school (July 16, 2012)
7/16/2012 · Thomas County School District, Ga., will no longer allow bibles to be distributed in its schools, after receiving a letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The principal at Thomas County Middle School announced over the intercom on March 20, 2012, … More »
FFRF stops religious emails at Alabama agency (July 13, 2012)
7/13/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation ended an inappropriate use of official email by a government agency employee in Alabama. An employee of the Alabama Medicaid Agency used her official email account to send out an email asking recipients to help ban a supposed … More »
FFRF halts board prayer in Henrico County (July 10, 2012)
7/10/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has halted illegal prayer before Henrico County Board of Supervisor meetings in Henrico, Va. Henrico County officials decided to drop the 25-year-old tradition on July 10 after the group received a letter of complaint from FFRF Staff … More »
FFRF gets bible quotes out of Texas classroom (July 9, 2012)
7/9/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has stopped a teacher in the Clear Creek Independent School District (League City, Texas) from passing out class materials with inappropriate religious messages on them. The teacher had been handing out lessons with a variety of bible quotes … More »
Virginia School Removes Ten Commandments
7/9/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia filed a federal lawsuit Sept. 13, 2011, against the School Board of Giles County, Va., for unconstitutionally endorsing religion by displaying the Ten Commandments on the wall of a district school. … More »
FFRF complaint replaces Georgia restaurant’s unlawful discount (July 5, 2012)
7/5/2012 · A restaurant in Blue Ridge, Ga., will no longer offer a preferential discount to church-going patrons, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. On a sign posted next to the cash register, Blue Ridge Mountain BBQ offered and promoted an illegal 10% … More »
FFRF blocks Indiana school board prayer (July 3, 2012)
7/3/2012 · The South Dearborn School Board (Ind.) will no longer open its monthly meetings with a prayer, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A concerned school district parent informed FFRF that school board officials began each monthly meeting by reciting the Lord's … More »
U.S. Census unlinks to Catholic “research center” after FFRF complaint (July 2, 2012)
7/2/2012 · FFRF was contacted by a curious researcher in November 2011 who “wanted to look up religion statistics and tried www.census.gov,” the U.S. Census website. The census stopped collecting religious statistics in 1936, but provides links to “more information.” These links included the Hartford Seminary … More »
FFRF downs University of Florida religious quilt (June 29, 2012)
6/29/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has helped to remove an unlawful religious quilt display from a public hallway at the University of Florida. A large religious quilt display hanging in a hallway shared by the veterinary department and the department of aging … More »
Indiana agrees to abide by the Constitution (June 29, 2012)
6/29/2012 · According to the event calendar on their website, the Indiana Dunes State Park was hosting and appeared to be co-sponsoring “Running with the Irish 5k.” The event was advertised as “co-sponsored by St. Patrick’s Church” with the proceeds benefitting St. Patrick’s Catholic School. … More »
FFRF cuts bibles out of Ohio surgical unit (June 26, 2012)
6/26/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has put an end to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's practice of placing bibles in medical center waiting rooms. Prior to FFRF's complaint, the Wright-Patterson Medical Center on the Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, displayed Gideon bibles throughout its … More »
FFRF stops distribution of student info to Catholic Church (June 26, 2012)
6/26/2012 · Bret Harte Union High School (Angels Camp, Calif.) will stop distributing student contact information to St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, which was using the contact information to solicit student attendance at its annual baccalaureate. A Bret Harte student contacted FFRF after receiving an invitation to the … More »
FFRF cleans up religion from South Carolina school yard (June 25, 2012)
6/25/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation got two illegal church advertisements removed from Lexington School District One in Lexington, S.C. Lexington School District One rents district facilities to local churches for worship services on the weekends. Forts Pond Elementary School had a permanently installed … More »
FFRF mutes religious music at North Dakota elementary school (June 25, 2012)
6/25/2012 · Students at Horace Elementary School (West Fargo, N.D.) will no longer be forced to perform religious music after receiving a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Grades 3-5 at the school put on a program that included seven songs with strong religious … More »
North Carolina School to End “Vacation Bible School” (June 21, 2012)
6/21/2012 · Although the kids may be out of school, the Freedom From Religion Foundation knows that the Constitution doesn’t take a vacation. Hazelwood Elementary School’s Summer Program in Haywood County, N.C., includes gardening crafts and games. However the school also scheduled trips to Vacation Bible School … More »
FFRF ‘saves’ New Jersey students from religious service (June 19, 2012)
6/19/2012 · Students at Gloucester City (N.J.) Junior-Senior High School were spared participation in a church-hosted baccalaureate service, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF was contacted by a complainant whose daughter was told that she could not opt out of the religious performance … More »
FFRF punishes pious Texas educators (June 18, 2012)
6/18/2012 · Byron Nelson High School (Fort Worth, Texas) will no longer mix prayer with school-sponsored assemblies, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt sent a June 1, 2012, letter to Superintendent Karen Rue outlining significant "constitutional concerns" brought … More »
FFRF stamps out cross at North Carolina post office (June 12, 2012)
6/12/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation successfully persuaded a post office in Huntersville, N.C., to remove a Christian cross from behind a customer counter. A local complainant noticed that the post office displayed a wooden, half-foot tall Latin cross behind its customer counter, … More »
FFRF stops distribution of religious materials at Tennessee school (June 7, 2012)
6/7/2012 · Lewis County Intermediate School (Hohenwald, Tenn.) will stop teachers from handing out religious materials in the classroom. A local parent contacted FFRF after his fifth grade student came home with a bible and a permission slip for summer vacation bible school on separate … More »
FFRF sacks prayer at Alabama high school’s football games (June 4, 2012)
6/4/2012 · Football coaches at Hoover High School (Hoover, Ala.) will no longer engage in pre-game locker room prayers, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote to Hoover City Schools Superintendent Andy Craig on Jan. 6 to alert … More »
FFRF tackles Washington football coach’s prayers (June 1, 2012)
6/1/2012 · Thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an Auburn High School (Auburn, Wash.) football coach will not lead the team in prayer before games, nor will any other school district employees. The prayers took place in the locker room, with team members and … More »
FFRF halts prayer at Georgia high school (May 31, 2012)
5/31/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded the principal of West Forsyth High School (Cumming, Ga.) to stop leading students in prayer. The principal delivered a sectarian prayer at a mandatory meeting for graduating seniors. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel sent a letter … More »
FFRF, student, bring suit over graduation prayer
5/31/2012 · FFRF and one of its South Carolina members filed suit on May 30, 2012, against School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties challenging a District policy that sanctions graduation prayers. Matthew Nielson, a graduating senior from Irmo High School, objected to the prayer … More »
FFRF cuts off bible distribution in Tennessee classroom (May 29, 2012)
5/29/2012 · Tullahoma City Schools (Tullahoma, Tenn.) will now prohibit distribution of bibles in its classrooms, after receiving a letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Fifth graders at East Lincoln Elementary School were told by their teachers to come up and take … More »
Anti-National Day of Prayer Video
5/28/2012 · … More »
Legal Challenges
5/28/2012 · Important legal successes include: Winning the first federal lawsuit challenging direct funding by the government of a faith-based agency Overturning a state Good Friday holiday, Good Friday plaintiffs included Foundation staff and state employees. Winning a lawsuit barring direct taxpayer subsidy of religious schools Removing Ten Commandments monuments … More »
National Day of Prayer
5/24/2012 · Help the Freedom From Religion Foundation defend a landmark ruling declaring the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. “The same law that prohibits the government from declaring a National Day of Prayer also prohibits it from declaring a National Day of Blasphemy,” ruled senior federal District … More »
FFRF stops religious references in Massachusetts government correspondence (May 24, 2012)
5/24/2012 · Massachusetts Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) will now refrain from making inappropriate religious references in their correspondence. An HHS employee forwarded FFRF an official letter from a DCF employee which included the phrase “may God richly … More »
FFRF kicks cross out of Nebraska state park (May 23, 2012)
5/23/2012 · Indian Caves State Park in Shubert, Neb., has removed a large, wooden cross from its property after receiving a letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote to Ron Stave, Chair of the Nebraska Game … More »
Our Legal Work
5/22/2012 · Our Legal Work The Freedom From Religion Foundation, an educational, watchdog organization working to keep church and state separate, has had many significant legal accomplishments nationwide. The Foundation has taken and won more challenges of the "faith-based initiative" than any other national group to date. The national … More »
FFRF ends Granite City church sticker permit (May 15, 2012)
5/15/2012 · Granite City, Ill., residents will no longer have to tacitly endorse a church or face a fine, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The Granite City municipal code required residents to purchase and prominently display sticker permits on their car windows … More »
FFRF blocks prayer at Texas high school’s football games (May 9, 2012)
5/9/2012 · Students and coaches will no longer be praying in the locker room at McAllen High School (McAllen, Texas), thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. McAllen’s head football coach reportedly asked a student to recite the Lord’s Prayer before each game. FFRF Staff … More »
FFRF educates California high school (May 1, 2012)
5/1/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has ensured that disclaimers will be placed on religious clubs’ fliers at Foothill High School in Redding, Calif. The school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes put out fliers inviting readers to an event called “Campus United” to “join…in a … More »
FFRF ends prayer at North Carolina government training (April 23, 2012)
4/23/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has ensured that there will be no further Christian prayers by government employees in Mecklenburg County, N.C. FFRF received a complaint after three different Mecklenburg County employees gave sectarian prayers at a mandatory training luncheon for the county’s … More »
FFRF tells Ohio teacher: Take the Sunday out of school (April 23, 2012)
4/23/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has silenced a proselytizing first-grade teacher at Minford Elementary School in Minford, Ohio. Prior to FFRF's complaint, young and impressionable first-grade students were subjected to bible lessons in their public school classroom. The offending teacher was cited … More »
FFRF to Georgia judge: Send aid, not bibles (April 19, 2012)
4/19/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has put an end to a Douglas County (Douglasville, Ga.) judge's inappropriate use of county resources to promote the Christian message. The judge was using county supplies to collect new and used bibles and distribute them to … More »
FFRF 'stands up' for Ohio students (April 19, 2012)
4/19/2012 · Students at Lakeside High School (Ashtabula, Ohio) will no longer be forced to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt informed Superintendent Joseph Donatone of this blatant First Amendment violation via … More »
FFRF puts an end to postal worker’s proselytizing (April 11, 2012)
4/11/2012 · FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert sent a Feb. 17, 2012, letter of complaint to an Oklahoma City post office after a local complainant reported an egregious violation. One of the postal workers distributed proselytizing Christmas messages in the mailboxes on his route. … More »
FFRF tightens security at a Wisconsin hospital (April 9, 2012)
4/9/2012 · The University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wis., will no longer allow Gideons International to unlawfully distribute bibles on public property, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt sent an advisory letter to UW Hospital President and … More »
FFRF turns the page on North Dakota bible distribution (April 9, 2012)
4/9/2012 · Hagan Elementary School in Williston, N.D., will no longer permit representatives of Gideons International to distribute bibles to its youngest students. The Freedom From Religion Foundation took issue with a particularly egregious situation that occurred in a fifth grade classroom. Students returning … More »
FFRF hunts down sectarian Easter event in Tennessee city government (April 6, 2012)
4/6/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded the City of Mt. Juliet (Tenn.) to stop promoting "the Great Easter Bash." "The Great Easter Bash" was a Christian event set to take place on April 7 in a public park. The City of … More »
FFRF sues over Pennsylvania 'Year of Bible'
4/4/2012 · FFRF filed suit challenging a declaration by the Pennsylvania House that 2012 is "The Year of the Bible." FFRF brought suit on behalf of its 599 Pennsylvania members, including 41 named state members, and its chapter, Nittany Freethought. The federal lawsuit was filed March … More »
FFRF tells a Cleveland university that faith does not mean family (March 26, 2012)
3/26/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has pre-empted any future Cleveland State University-sponsored "Faith & Family Day" from taking place on school grounds. FFRF Senior Staff Attorney Rebecca Markert wrote to CSU President Ronald Berkman on March 13 over the university's inappropriate endorsement of … More »
FFRF 'deletes' biblical emails at Georgia school (March 23, 2012)
3/23/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation ended an inappropriate and unnecessary use of employee email at the Harris County School District in Hamilton, Ga. Prior to FFRF's involvement, the school district allowed "principals and other leadership staff to send emails to their subordinates which include … More »
FFRF starves North Carolina restaurant of church discount (March 23, 2012)
3/23/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has put an end to an inappropriate and unnecessary church bulletin discount at the Fisherman's Quarters II in Asheville, N.C. Fisherman's Quarters II habitually offered a 10% discount to church-going patrons. This particular promotion was at the top … More »
FFRF muffles athletic prayer at Kentucky high school (March 20, 2012)
3/20/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has prevented a local minister from delivering another pregame prayer over the loudspeaker at Madisonville-North Hopkins High School in Madisonville, Ky. A minister delivered an invocation over the public address system at the Region 2 Boys Basketball finals … More »
FFRF tickets Alabama Sheriff for inappropriate display of religion (March 19, 2012)
3/19/2012 · A Chilton County, Ala., sheriff will no longer send his constituents an overtly sectarian Christmas card, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. FFRF Staff Attorney Stephanie Schmitt first wrote to the sheriff on Jan. 20. Schmitt pointed out that his sectarian … More »
FFRF assures Illinois students they don't have to 'trust in god' (March 16, 2012)
3/16/2012 · A Freedom From Religion Foundation complaint has successfully removed a religious display from a Hononegah Community High School (Ill.) hallway. The phrase "In God We Trust" had been prominently featured on a school letter board for over 10 years. It wasn't until … More »
FFRF gets religious references out of school principal’s emails (March 13, 2012)
3/13/2012 · A principal of an elementary school in Franklin, N.C., no longer includes a reference to god in her official email signature. The principal of East Franklin Elementary School included an “inspirational” quotation as part of her email signature, “If you can bring one moment of … More »
FFRF keeps library doors open in Nevada (March 12, 2012)
3/12/2012 · The Washoe County Library System in Reno, Nev., will be open during Easter next year. The Freedom From Religion Foundation, along with a local complainant, took issue with the library's holiday closure policy. Prior to FFRF's involvement all Washoe County Libraries were … More »
FFRF stops kindergarten prayer (March 12, 2012)
3/12/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has put an end to illegal prayer in a Manchester, Tenn., kindergarten classroom. A Hillsboro Elementary School teacher led her kindergarten students in daily prayers. Students were expected to join their teacher, proclaiming "God is good, God … More »
FFRF muffles proselytizing Christian rock band in West Virginia (March 9, 2012)
3/9/2012 · Lewis County Schools in Weston, W.Va., cancelled a Christian concert after receiving a letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Both the middle and high school in Lewis County were scheduled to interrupt instructional time to host the Jason Lovins … More »
FFRF educates North Carolina teacher on Constitution (March 8, 2012)
3/8/2012 · An eighth grade teacher at Starmount Middle School in Booneville, N.C., will no longer proselytize to her students, thanks to the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The teacher said in class that "God is the only creator of the universe" and "evolution is … More »
FFRF educates Wichita Falls school district (March 7, 2012)
3/7/2012 · The Freedom From Religion Foundation has confirmed that the Wichita Falls Independent School District (Texas) will no longer issue a sectarian prayer at mandatory staff events. On top of condoning public prayer, the school district held its August convocation at the First … More »
FFRF on the Web