ACLJ Holding School District Accountable for Unlawfully Denying Christian School Student Transportation Benefits

The ACLJ is once again standing in the gap for families facing infringements on their educational rights. We’ve filed a Motion for Summary Judgment in New Jersey in our case against a school district that is blatantly violating state law by denying transportation benefits to a student attending a Christian school.

While it may not make national headlines, these local confrontations with government bureaucracies are where our rights face the greatest threats – and where they must be most vigorously defended. When a school district can willfully ignore clear legal mandates and fabricate reasons to deny services to Christian school students, no rights are safe. Furthermore, this case exposes a troubling reality: Government officials often count on families lacking the resources, knowledge, or stamina to fight back against unjust treatment from the government machine. By standing with this family, we’re sending a powerful message that Christians will not be intimidated into accepting second-class status under the law.

The Case: Simple Facts, Clear Law

The facts of this case couldn’t be clearer. New Jersey law requires school districts to provide transportation for students attending private schools when those schools are located between 2.5 and 20 miles from the student’s home. Compliance isn’t optional – it’s mandated by state law.

Our client has a daughter who attends a nearby Christian school. The school district denied transportation benefits for this student, claiming that the distance between their home and school exceeds the 20-mile limit.

But here’s the problem: The district is wrong, and they know it.

The Evidence Is Overwhelming

Our client didn’t just take the district’s word for it. He took action:

1. First, he provided Google Maps data showing a route under 20 miles.
2. When the district dismissed this evidence, he went further and hired a licensed professional surveying company.
3. This official survey confirmed a route of 19.7 miles – well under the legal limit.

Even after receiving this professional evidence, the district doubled down, falsely claiming that “even if we utilize that route, it still equates to over 20 miles.”

Through our legal process, we are now forcing the district to admit the truth: Multiple routes exist that are under 20 miles. They’ve been caught red-handed setting aside the law and the facts to deny benefits to a Christian school student. We had filed an administrative action in New Jersey administrative court. Now we have filed a Motion for Summary Judgment in the case, urging the administrative court to rule in our favor and apply the clear mandates of New Jersey law.

The Law Is Crystal Clear

New Jersey law doesn’t give school districts discretion. The regulations explicitly state that distance “shall be measured using the shortest route along public roadways or public walkways.” Our brief explained that the use of “shall” creates a non-discretionary duty – the district MUST use the shortest route.

Our Motion for Summary Judgment requests that the court immediately order the district to provide the legally required transportation aid. Additionally, we’re seeking reasonable attorneys’ fees for this unnecessary legal battle that could have been avoided if the district had simply followed the law.

The district’s position isn’t just incorrect – it’s unreasonable and vexatious. They’ve wasted taxpayer dollars fighting against providing a service that state law clearly requires.

This case may seem technical, but it highlights a critical principle: Government entities cannot arbitrarily deny benefits to families who choose religious education. The New Jersey Supreme Court has recognized that transportation aid laws are designed “to deal evenly with” private school students and public school students.

When districts undermine these protections, they effectively penalize families for exercising their constitutional right to religious education. The financial burden of transportation can be significant, especially for families already sacrificing to pay private school tuition.

The Broader Battle

At the ACLJ, we see many cases like this across the country. From transportation and facility access to sports participation and educational resources, government officials too often impose unnecessary hurdles on religious schools and their students.

These aren’t isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of hostility toward faith-based education. That’s why each case matters, and that’s why we fight – because religious liberty is worth defending, one case at a time.

As we await the court’s decision, we’re grateful for the supporters who make our work possible. Your prayers and financial support allow us to defend families like this one in New Jersey – and many others across the country. Together, we’re ensuring that the Constitution’s promise of religious liberty becomes a reality for all Americans. We’ll keep fighting until every student, regardless of where they attend school, receives equal treatment under the law.