Fortifying the Future of Christian Education

This week, Advocates’ attorneys and our co-counsel, Wendell Bird, appeared in the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals for oral arguments concerning the future of Christian education.   Advocates represents Calvary Chapel Christian School of Murrieta, six former students of Calvary, and the Association of Christian Schools International in a lawsuit brought against the University of California School System for religious discrimination against private Christian high schools.

This case began in 2005 after it became apparent that the UC School System was rejecting courses submitted by Jewish and Christian high schools seeking approval for the courses to be recognized as college preparatory courses.  In order for a student to be admitted into the UC School System, the student must be able to show that he or she has taken a minimum number of pre-approved college preparatory courses during their high school career.  UC rejected certain courses because the private schools were seeking to add a religious viewpoint to the standard content taught in each of the subjects. 

Despite UC’s blatant religious viewpoint discrimination, the district court ruled in favor of the UC School System.  Wendell Bird argued the case and asked the Ninth Circuit to uphold Supreme Court precedent and prohibit any future religious discrimination on the part of the UC School System.  This case will have an immediate impact on Christian Schools across the State of California and will have a nationwide impact on Christian education.  Please be praying that God grant the three judge panel wisdom and discernment.  It may be up to 12 months before the Ninth Circuit renders its decision.

This information is provided by Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a non-profit religious law firm dedicated to protecting religious liberty in the courts!  To help us in our ongoing battle for religious freedom, click here to donate to Advocates.