Plano, TX- A major lawsuit has just been filed against Katy Independent School District for years of discriminating against Christian children and censoring religious speech.
"This lawsuit includes a large amount of evidence that demonstrates pervasive religious hostility by Katy ISD," said Hiram Sasser, director of litigation for Liberty Legal Institute.
Five families who were victimized by Katy ISD's unconstitutional censorship policy filed the lawsuit, Pounds et. al v. Katy ISD, in the Harris County District Court. The lawsuit outlines numerous, specific incidents of discrimination that have occurred since 2001.
For example, children were prohibited from drawing religious images in an art fundraiser, mentioning Jesus in a class discussion on Easter, handing out faith bracelets during recess and talking about Jesus with other children during free time. Requests by parents, whose children were victimized by these violations of law, were denied.
"These government officials have lost all common sense. This religious suppression is not the law and this discrimination against children must stop," Sasser said. "Schools are not zones of religious censorship."
Under Katy ISD's policy, parents and children are also banned from bringing religious-themed items during "winter parties" and other class celebrations. The families filing the lawsuit are asking the judge to immediately grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Katy ISD for the school-wide Valentine's Day party scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14. In the TRO, the families are asking that their children be permitted to hand out religious valentines to classmates without facing disciplinary actions from school officials.
"We are confident that the courts will uphold the fundamental law and immediately stop this religious discrimination against these children," Sasser said.
Liberty Legal Institute, The Alliance Defense Fund and local Houston attorneys will represent the clients before the Harris County District Court.
CLICK HERE for a copy of the lawsuit.