ADL Urges Supreme Court to Deny Religious Group Access to School Facilities
New York, NY, January 17, 2001 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm that the Milford (N.Y.) Central School District’s policy of excluding religious instruction or worship on school grounds was constitutionally sound. In its amicus brief in Good News Club vs. Milford, the League argued the proposed "Good News Club" meetings would constitute an "overt religious exercise" and therefore violate the Constitution’s Establishment Clause.
"These Good News Club meetings, held in a classroom immediately following the regular school day, not only violate the district’s policy, but blur the line separating church and state," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "Moreover, they could easily give the district’s youngest students the impression that this religious activity has the approval and sanction of the school."
ADL urged the Supreme Court to uphold earlier decisions by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. District Court, which both sided with the Milford School District. The brief was prepared with the assistance of the Connecticut law firm Wiggin & Dana, and was joined by Hadassah, the National Coalition for Public Education and Religious Liberty, and the National Council of Jewish Women.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
|
