ACLJ Victory: Federal Jury Awards Teen Challenge Nearly $1M in Damages in Religious Discrimination Case
I want to report to you a significant victory involving our representation of Teen Challenge in
I am pleased to report that the ACLJ has secured a federal court jury verdict in favor of our client, Teen Challenge, and a jury award of nearly one million dollars for Teen Challenge and a finding that the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and
As you may recall, we filed a federal lawsuit last year after government officials enacted an ordinance targeting Teen Challenge and reversing an earlier approval giving Teen Challenge the go-ahead to use 13 acres of land it purchased to expand its Christian-based ministry for a residential treatment facility for young people suffering from addiction.
In a sweeping decision that culminated a two-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Nashville, a federal district court jury awarded damages to Teen Challenge totaling $967,995 and found that government officials violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the Fair Housing Act, and the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The fact is that this is an incredible victory for Teen Challenge and for the rights of religious organizations. This jury verdict sends a powerful message that religious discrimination by government officials simply wont be tolerated. The size of the jury award also sends a message that theres a hefty price to pay for those who discriminate against religious organizations. Were delighted with the outcome of this case and are pleased that the mission and work of Teen Challenge can now move forward.
The background of this case is important: We filed suit in June 2007 in U.S. District Court in
In an earlier report, I told you that Teen Challenge had entered into a contract to purchase 13 acres of property in
A public meeting on the use of the property became a dissentious, mob-like atmosphere in which residents yelled out angry and sarcastic attacks. One resident stated, We dont want any drug addicts or sex offenders walking our streets. This, despite the fact that the property was located on 13 acres and Teen Challenges method was to make sure that those in the rehabilitative program do not in any way interfere with the surrounding community. This is precisely the reason why they have such large acreage requests.
After a series of meetings, city officials took actions that were designed and intended to block and impede Teen Challenge from acquiring a Use and Occupancy Permit to conduct its religious activities and to provide therapeutic services to disabled individuals on the property. After several attempts to work the situation through to a resolution, it became evident that a legal challenge would have to be made.
Since Teen Challenge could no longer use the 13 acres for its intended purposes, the ministry auctioned off the property.
The jury returned its verdict last night after deliberating about three hours. ACLJ Senior Counsel Larry Crain did a fantastic job litigating this case. He is very pleased that the jury agreed with the ACLJ on all counts of our suit.
In Larrys words: This jury understood that it is simply unacceptable for a city to violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution and its verdict underscores the fact that cities that do participate in this type of religious discrimination must be held accountable. This verdict enables Teen Challenge to find a new location and continue its excellent commitment to helping young people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.
This is a tremendous victory for religious organizations. I am always delighted to bring you the news of such a wonderful victory like this one.