VICTORY: New York School Walks Back Decision To Tear Down Christian Posters and Ban Use of “Good News” From Bible Club Name

We’ve just secured a major win for religious liberty in our public schools.

After the ACLJ sent a legal demand letter to Carmel Central School District (CCSD) in New York on behalf of Jenna – a brave ninth-grade student – after school officials tore down her Christian club’s Bible verse posters and banned the use of “Good News” from the Bible club’s name. The district has now walked back its actions. In a written response, the school district has confirmed that Jenna’s club can change the club’s name to whatever it wants, the school has no objection to posters citing Bible verses or containing a cross, and Jenna has the same rights as any other student to share her faith on campus.

This is a critical victory, not just for Jenna but also for every student who seeks to live out their faith without fear of government censorship. It’s what the law requires.

When Jenna tried to relaunch a Christian student group at Carmel High School – after being previously denied – she followed every procedure required. Her group was initially called the “Good News Club” and sought to meet after school for faith-based discussion, encouragement, and learning. But when she posted campus-wide flyers listing encouraging Bible verses and inviting students to join, the school took them down and told her the club’s name had to be changed. They said the posters had “too many Bible verses.” Jenna was told to rename the group “Alpha Omega Club” and to submit all religious content for administrative review.

That’s when the ACLJ stepped in.

We sent a demand letter laying out how these actions were a direct violation of the Equal Access Act and the First Amendment. Schools may not censor religious viewpoints while allowing secular student groups full freedom. In fact, federal law is clear that once a school opens a limited public forum for student expression – such as clubs – it must treat all clubs equally, regardless of their religious content. In fact, the ACLJ argued and won a similar case before the U.S. Supreme Court in Board of Education v. Mergens 35 years ago.

After receiving the demand letter, the school district has reversed course and has agreed to comply with the law.

In a written response to the ACLJ, Carmel Central School District stated unequivocally: “The School District simply has no objection to Alpha Omega Club notices that cite to the Bible or contain a cross, or to [Jenna’s] religious speech on school grounds.”

This is a complete reversal of the district’s earlier actions – and a direct result of our legal advocacy.

The school district also acknowledged that the club is officially recognized and has every right to post flyers and hold meetings like any other student organization. Jenna’s club is recognized, her speech is protected, and the district now affirms that religious content on club materials is permitted.

Make no mistake – this is a win.

At the same time, we will vigilantly monitor the situation to ensure that Jenna and her fellow students are not subjected to any further unlawful censorship. But for now, the message is clear: Religious liberty is alive and well, and students do not shed their First Amendment rights at the schoolhouse gate.

We’re proud to stand with students like Jenna – students of courage, conviction, and faith. And we will always stand ready to defend their rights when public schools cross the constitutional line.

This victory proves that when we stand up and speak out, we make a difference.