Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 23, 2024 at 2:32 PM

Reclaiming Holiday Traditions

First Liberty Institute Menorahs and Nativities, yes you can! When a group of Moravians founded Bethlehem, PA on Christmas Eve in 1741, they did much more than establish a new town. They also established our country’s longstanding tradition of displaying nativity scenes dur…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 22, 2024 at 9:16 PM

BREAKING: Big Win for Arizona Church's Food Ministry

First Liberty Institute Federal court rejects hostile city officials’ attempt to get case dismissed | November 22, 2024 We just received a tremendous victory for Pastor Jose Castro and Gethsemani Baptist Church. City officials in San Luis, Arizona have been trying to sh…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 22, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Our Supreme Court Case is Getting Huge Support

First Liberty Institute Diverse religious groups urge Supreme Court to hear Fire Chief Ron Hittle’s case | Diverse Religious Groups Urge Supreme Court  to Hear Fire Chief Ron Hittle’s Case Several national organizations filed nine friend-of-the-court briefs su…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 21, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Three words that are changing everything

First Liberty Institute The victory in the Coach Kennedy case opens up the possibilities for public expressions of faith | History and Tradition. Thanks to the Kennedy decision at the Supreme Court, these three words are changing the ways that courts all over the coun…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 19, 2024 at 10:31 PM

This First Responder Needs Your Support

First Liberty Institute No one should be fired for their faith | November 19, 2024 Imagine serving faithfully as a first responder for over 20 years and then getting fired because you attended a leadership conference that was held at a church. That’s just what happene…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 15, 2024 at 12:31 PM

First Liberty Asks Supreme Court to Uphold Nation's First Religious Charter School

First Liberty Institute Oklahoma Catholic school denied public benefits simply because it's religious | First Liberty Asks Supreme Court to Uphold  Nation’s First Religious Charter School We filed a brief this week supporting St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Cat…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 14, 2024 at 7:45 PM

What are the California courts doing now?

First Liberty Institute A new matter for the U.S. Supreme Court | November 14, 2024 California has done it again. The state is once again sticking its nose where it does not constitutionally belong. This time, a California state court decided to bypass the Constitut…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 11, 2024 at 8:51 PM

Correction: Honoring their call to duty

First Liberty Institute Celebrating Veterans Day together |   John, Freedom. It comes at a high price. And no one has paid a higher price than the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. They have courageously stood for freedom in the darkest of times and i…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 11, 2024 at 8:30 PM

BREAKING: WIN for our Navy SEALs

First Liberty Institute Celebrating Veterans Day together |   John, Freedom. It comes at a high price. And no one has paid a higher price than the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. They have courageously stood for freedom in the darkest of times and i…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 8, 2024 at 12:34 PM

Election Will Impact Religious Freedom, Supreme Court and Federal Judges

First Liberty Institute Second Trump administration can protect religious liberty for all Americans by building on its previous record. | What a Trump Presidency Means for Religious Freedom First Liberty President, CEO & Chief Counsel Kelly Shackelford dis…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 6, 2024 at 4:02 PM

America has spoken... What's next?

First Liberty Institute Kelly Shackelford analyzes last night’s results | November 6, 2024 America has changed course. Last night, Americans from coast-to-coast chose to return Former President Donald Trump to the White House. This morning, First Liberty’s Kelly Sha…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 1, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Judges & Religious Freedom: Two Major Issues Americans Must Consider When Voting

First Liberty Institute Vote on Election Day! Your religious liberty, the Supreme Court, and the rule of law are at stake. | Judges & Religious Freedom: Two Major Issues Americans Must Consider When Voting Tuesday is Election Day. As you look at the candid…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 31, 2024 at 6:02 PM

BREAKING: City Silences Faith Using Permit Scheme

First Liberty Institute South Carolina city freezing speech before it’s uttered. | October 31, 2024 On June 20, 2024, a police officer in Chapin, South Carolina approached Ernest Giardino and told him that he needed the city’s permission to continue what he was doin…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 25, 2024 at 4:35 PM

Will people of faith vote in November?

First Liberty Institute 41 million people of faith plan on sitting out this election | Elections matter. We seem to be told that at every turn. Yet for a nation that was founded on Christian principles, many evangelicals are turning their backs on their country, their civ…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 25, 2024 at 11:31 AM

South Carolina Town Says 'Permit Required' for Religious Expression on Public Sidewalks

First Liberty Institute Local resident can’t share faith or hold up religious sign unless town officials approve | South Carolina Town Says ‘Permit Required’  for Religious Expression on Public Sidewalks The Town of Chapin, South Carolina told Ernest Giardino …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 18, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Supreme Court Case Filed: Fire Chief Hittle Appeals to Nation's Highest Court

First Liberty Institute Huge religious freedom case that impacts every person of faith in the workplace | Fired California Fire Chief Appeals to U.S. Supreme Court We appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court our case involving Fire Chief Ron Hittle, who was fired fo…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 17, 2024 at 7:59 PM

BREAKING: City Threatens to Shut Down Church

First Liberty Institute Texas city says “voting cannot occur in any church building" | October 17, 2024 In September of 2023, Mayor Robert Margolis of Rowlett Texas made his discriminatory position clear on churches serving as voting locations when reacting to Dallas Co…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 15, 2024 at 10:05 PM

BREAKING: Fired California Fire Chief Appeals to U.S. Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Ron Hittle was fired over his religious beliefs. That’s illegal. We’re taking his case to the highest court in the country. |   We’re asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Fire Chief Ron Hittle’s case. The city of Stockton, California fired Chief Hittle af…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 11, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Texas City Threatens to Close Church, Claims 'Voting Cannot Occur in Any Church Building'

First Liberty Institute City officials try to shut down church to keep it from serving as a voting location | Texas City Threatens to Close Church, Claims ‘Voting Cannot Occur in Any Church Building’ City officials in Rowlett, Texas don’t want Freedom Place Ch…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 10, 2024 at 5:01 PM

BREAKING: Fired Flight Attendants Take Discrimination Case to Federal Appeals Court

First Liberty Institute Alaska Airlines must be held accountable for firing our clients over their religious beliefs | October 10, 2024 We just took an important step forward in our Alaska Airlines case involving Lacey Smith and Marli Brown, the two flight attendants wh…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 7, 2024 at 8:06 PM

First Liberty Stars in AVERAGE JOE: Get your tickets

Not So AVERAGE JOE He might call himself an average Joe, but Coach Joe Kennedy is anything but ordinary. Following a 20-year career as a Marine, Joe became a high school football coach to help kids learn from the mistakes he had made growing up. In gratitude, he would pray at mid…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 4, 2024 at 5:06 PM

DC Tried to Force Religious First Responders to Violate Their Beliefs on the Job

First Liberty Institute First Liberty argues in federal court to defend Muslim & Jewish first responders | DC First Responders Argue in Federal Appeals Court  to Secure Their Religious Freedom We represent several Muslim and Jewish firefighters and parame…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 1, 2024 at 10:16 PM

First Look: Coach Kennedy walks the red carpet

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in October |   Dear John, October is starting off with a bang! Average Joe premieres in Hollywood tonight! And both Coach Joe Kennedy and First Liberty will be there for this major motion picture event.…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 27, 2024 at 7:40 PM

California School District Forces Gender Ideology on Christian Kids

First Liberty Institute Parents have a right to know what their children are learning, and to opt out if it contradicts their faith. | Gender Ideology Forced on Kids by California School District Fifth graders were forced to teach a book to kindergarteners th…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 26, 2024 at 4:31 PM

Between The Rock and No Place

First Liberty Institute First Liberty fights for church’s right to serve those in need | September 26, 2024 Dear John, Serving others. That’s the calling for many people of faith and houses of worship. They provide food for the hungry, clothes for those in need and …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 24, 2024 at 9:57 PM

Breaking: School District Forces Transgenderism on Students

First Liberty Institute First Liberty files lawsuit to protect religious beliefs of students. | September 24, 2024 Dear John, No child should be forced to speak a message that violates his or her religious convictions. Yet, that is exactly what’s happening at La Cos…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 20, 2024 at 11:31 AM

We're Taking Fire Chief Hittle's Case to the U.S. Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Will the Supreme Court agree to hear this major religious freedom case? | Fire Chief Terminated from His Job Will Soon  Appeal Case to the U.S. Supreme Court The U.S. Supreme Court begins hearing cases next month, but hasn’t yet agreed…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 20, 2024 at 1:01 AM

FW: Just a few hours left to multiply your impact

First Liberty Institute $50,000 Challenge Grant is on the line | Dear John, I just wanted to make sure you saw this giving opportunity before it closes at midnight tonight. Best, KellyKelly ShackelfordPresident, CEO & Chief CounselFirst Liberty Institute   From: …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 19, 2024 at 10:30 PM

Just a few hours left to multiply your impact

First Liberty Institute $50,000 Challenge Grant is on the line | The BIG GIVING DAY is almost over, but there is still time to make your gift to First Liberty and join the $50,000 Challenge Grant. Right now, we need more Americans like you who believe in religious liberty as ou…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 19, 2024 at 11:31 AM

The big giving event is here!

First Liberty Institute Multiply your best gift with $50,000 Challenge Grant | Dear John, Today is North Texas Giving Day (NTGD), a day where a Foundation will help multiply your gift. And that means that no matter where you’re located, you have a unique opportunity to make an …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 18, 2024 at 2:02 PM

Tomorrow: Make an impact for faith and freedom

First Liberty Institute Multiply your gift before it’s too late! | Dear John, Tomorrow is the big day for you to multiply your impact for faith and freedom. And we’re celebrating in a big way to increase your impact even more. We’re counting on YOU to take advantage of our $50,…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 16, 2024 at 5:14 PM

VICTORY: Religious liberty update from the Rocky Mountains

First Liberty Institute Critical ministry gets a win | We’re coming to you live today from Colorado with an important case update. Rock Church in Castle Rock, Colorado recently got great news after filing a federal lawsuit against hostile city officials. A federal ju…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 13, 2024 at 4:31 PM

I bet you didn't know this one thing about your freedom...

First Liberty Institute Take advantage of this giving opportunity today! | Dear John, With North Texas Giving Day (NTGD) less than a week away, we have some exciting news to share. Right now, every dollar you give through NTGD will be multiplied thanks to a generous supporter o…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 13, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Presidential Debate Failure: Supreme Court 'Reform' Wasn't a Topic

First Liberty Institute Americans deserve to know what Trump and Harris plan to do with the Supreme Court | Americans Deserve to Know Where  Trump and Harris Stand on Court ‘Reform’ During the presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Vice Presid…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 7, 2024 at 1:31 PM

Defying the Supreme Court?

First Liberty Institute State bureaucrats want to cancel religion | September 7, 2024 State officials in Maine are lashing out against our recent Supreme Court victory for school choice. The state of Maine provides funds for school tuition to all Maine families who …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 6, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Calls to Pack the Supreme Court Are Getting Louder

First Liberty Institute Our judicial system is under attack. Is a Supreme Court Coup about to happen? | Calls to Pack the Supreme Court are Growing Louder The far Left and media outlets are attacking our judicial system. For some, packing the Supreme Court is…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 5, 2024 at 8:32 PM

They're trying to criminalize compassion

First Liberty Institute Early giving has already started for North Texas Giving Day | Dear John, It’s not every day that God allows us to be a part of history in the making. But that’s exactly what happened when Coach Kennedy won at the Supreme Court. It was just one y…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 3, 2024 at 8:01 PM

First Look: Time to Stand Against the Coup

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in September |   This Labor Day weekend marks the one-year anniversary of Coach Joe Kennedy returning to the football field and taking a knee in prayer after his long battle in the courtroom. We are so …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 30, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Supreme Court Should Be Presidential Debate Topic, US Attorney Generals Say

First Liberty Institute Trump vs. Harris: Americans deserve to know where they stand on court-packing, judicial nominations | Former US Attorneys General Say Supreme Court  Should Be Presidential Debate Topic First Liberty and four former U.S. Attorneys Gener…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 29, 2024 at 5:01 PM

They're making a movie about Coach Kennedy!

First Liberty Institute See Average Joe October 10th | August 29, 2024 This Labor Day weekend, we’re celebrating! It’s been one year since Coach Joe Kennedy went back to the football field and took a knee in prayer. His story of perseverance and faith in the midst o…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 23, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Americans Reject Biden's Court 'Reform' Scheme

First Liberty Institute New Poll: Majority of Americans oppose radical changes to Supreme Court | Poll: Most Americans Reject Biden’s  Radical Court ‘Reform’ Scheme Americans reject court packing, ending life tenure and giving Congress the power to oversee ju…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 22, 2024 at 6:55 PM

No matter what you call it, America doesn't want it!

First Liberty Institute Don’t let them pull the wool over your eyes… | August 22, 2024 Radical groups that support “court reform” finally have a sitting president that is willing to support their unconstitutional proposal to end the independent judiciary. Less than …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 16, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Across America, Cities are Criminalizing Compassion

First Liberty Institute Alarming trend of churches & ministries being targeted for serving the most vulnerable | Across America, Cities are Criminalizing Compassion Whether it’s churches that open their doors to give people a place to stay or those that f…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 15, 2024 at 4:01 PM

Desperately Seeking Revenge on the Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Sen. Chuck Schumer’s personal vendetta against justice. | August 15, 2024 Four years ago, Senator Chuck Schumer stood at a rally outside the Supreme Court and threatened Justice Gorsuch and Justice Kavanaugh. He promised that they would pay t…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 9, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Is VP Nominee Tim Walz Friendly or Hostile to Religious Freedom?

First Liberty Institute Religious leaders raise alarm over Walz’s record and policies on religious freedom | Religious Leaders Raise Alarm over  VP Nominee Tim Walz’s Record on Religious Freedom News outlets report that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pushed for hars…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 8, 2024 at 10:25 PM

Leading the Way: In Courts & Law

First Liberty Institute Religious freedom experts you want to hear from | John, We’re the nation’s largest nonprofit exclusively dedicated to defending religious liberty. When we fight for everyday Americans attacked for living out their faith, we win. There are thre…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 3, 2024 at 1:31 PM

First Look: Can our Supreme Court be saved?

First Liberty Institute Biden's new plan to attack the Court |   One of the first things President Biden did when he took office was to implement a commission to put forth recommendations for reforming the Supreme Court. Everything was on the table - court packing, purg…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 2, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Biden & Harris Court "Reform" Scheme Threatens Our Civil Liberties

First Liberty Institute Radical overhaul of Supreme Court would be an act of political revenge, desperate attempt to grab more power | Biden’s Radical Court ‘Reform’ Scheme  Threatens Americans’ Civil Liberties Court “reform” proposals will destroy the legiti…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

August 1, 2024 at 5:01 PM

BREAKING: Biden's disastrous court reform

First Liberty Institute The President’s plan to ruin judicial independence | August 1, 2024 This week, President Biden unveiled his plan for sweeping and radical changes to the Supreme Court. These so-called court “reforms” include ending life tenure for Supreme Co…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

July 26, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Biden Doubles Down on Radical Supreme Court Changes in Latest Speech

First Liberty Institute President says overhauling Supreme Court is a top item during final six months | Biden to Focus on Radical Changes to Supreme Court  During Final Six Months President Biden addressed the nation this week following his exit from the 202…

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