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Alabama school district drags feet, gets sued -- reverses policy

An Alabama public school district has reached a settlement in a case filed by Liberty Counsel on behalf of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF).

A federal lawsuit was filed last month against the Gadsden City School District, following Superintendent Rob Russell's refusal to respond to requests for use of school facilities by the Good News Clubs. Various secular clubs were allowed to use school facilities free of charge, but the after-school Christian club was denied that privilege.

Liberty Counsel sent two demand letters to district officials, but there was no response until the lawsuit was filed. Now the school district has reversed its stance and the Christian club will be allowed to use school facilities to conduct its meetings. The district will also pay attorney's fees for the Christian club.

Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver says the district's response was long overdue. "Five weeks from the start of the lawsuit until the resolution is all it took -- and the school delayed for three years prior to Liberty Counsel being contacted," he says. "That's three years of young boys and girls who did not hear the gospel -- three years where young boys and girls did not understand right or wrong, or learn about morals, or character development."

The attorney says this victory sends a two-fold message. First, that people need to stand up for their liberties because, he says, "the gospel is at stake whenever school officials violate the Constitution and refuse to allow equal access for Christian clubs." Secondly, he adds, "every Christian club ought to be involved in access to school facilities."

Staver states that Liberty Counsel is preparing lawsuits against other school districts that have refused to allow equal access to CEF.