The Peoria Unified School Board in Arizona won’t allow one of its elected members, Heather Rooks, to quote Bible verses during meetings. That’s unconstitutional—and it’s why we just filed a federal lawsuit on Heather’s behalf.

The school district must follow the law and Constitution. It must allow Heather to express her faith. And we’re taking them to court to make sure it happens.

Heather began her term on the board in January and regularly cites inspirational Bible verses during her time for remarks. She finds quoting Scripture to be encouraging to her.

On cue, an anti-religion group sent a letter to the district complaining that Heather must stop quoting “incendiary Chrisitian verses.” The school board then “advised” Heather and other members to stop quoting Scripture.

The school district is violating the First Amendment, plain and simple. Banning religious expression is illegal discrimination. Last year’s Supreme Court win in Kennedy v. Bremerton—Coach Kennedy's case—held that government may not ban religious speech.

Many state officials, however, are defying that ruling. They refuse to follow what the nation’s highest court said they must do, and keep canceling anyone with a religious view.

Heather isn’t the only one being muzzled. This is happening to people of faith across the country—everyday Americans just like YOU. Just last month a Virginia mom went to her local school board meeting to express her concerns—and was told she could not pray for our nation’s schools.

Public officials don’t have to “check their faith” at the door and abandon their beliefs simply because they work for the government. Censoring religious speech betrays what religious freedom in America is all about. 

Hostile state officials and radical groups are fighting us at every possible turn. Because we’ve won so much in recent years, they are now doubling down on their attacks. We won’t sugar coat it. We have our work cut out for us in this federal court case.

Getting a win for Heather—and for countless Americans—will be a tough and possibly long legal battle. It will require a lot of resources and we’re going to need your steadfast support.

We’ve taken on governments before and won big. Will you come on board with First Liberty to help us win again? Heather is counting on us. Can we count on a timely gift from you today?