You can restore your hometown’s holiday traditions
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Dear Friend, For the past five months, a 30+ year veteran teacher has been banished from her classroom by the New Britain School District in Connecticut. She’s been suspended, demoted and smeared in the media. Why? Marisol Arroyo-Castro refused to remove a small crucifix from her personal space by her desk. Now, Marisol didn’t just hang this cross yesterday. It’s been hanging by her desk for the last 10 years.
In December, one of her vice principals called her into a meeting where she was subjected to a surprise attack. Marisol was abruptly told that unless she removed the crucifix by her desk by the following Monday, she would be disciplined for insubordination. She was later told that she could keep it in the classroom, so long as it was completely hidden from view of the students. |
Marisol tried to comply by hanging the crucifix under her desk, but it made her feel like she was hiding her faith. When she returned it to her personal space, she was immediately suspended without pay for two days, placed on administrative leave for several months, and then moved to a non-teaching role.
While other teachers continue to similarly display personal expressive items like action figures of Wonder Woman, Baby Yoda, a photograph of a statue of the Virgin Mary, and a mug referencing a Bible verse, Marisol is being punished for her personal display of faith. |
My name is Kelly Shackelford. I am the President, CEO and Chief Counsel of First Liberty Institute — the nation’s largest law firm exclusively dedicated to defending religious freedom. I’d like to tell you that attacks like the one on Marisol Arroyo-Castro’s faith are rare, but the truth is, they’re becoming increasingly common.
Sometimes, we can resolve these issues quickly through a simple phone call or a letter. Just a few days ago, a principal at a Utah school forced a teacher to remove a sign for a voluntary prayer chain and told her to stop her religious expression. Two years ago, Taryn Israelson put up the sign in the faculty lounge inviting her co-workers to voluntarily participate.
After receiving a letter from First Letter, the principal decided to follow the First Amendment and allowed Taryn to post her invitation in the lounge. But more often than not, overzealous city leaders, school administrations and politicians decide to dig in and fight. Unfortunately, this is the path that the New Britain School District has chosen to take.
And that’s why I am writing to you today. I want to ask you to do two things to help: |
- Pray for Marisol and our attorneys as we fight what could be a long legal battle in court.
- Like Tarin, pray for Ventura, CA, the city’s elected council members, and the students and faculty at their schools.
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Join the fight for faith by signing our petition telling the New Britain School District to stop the discrimination and put Marisol back in the classroom.
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When you join us in the fight for faith, you are joining the winning team. First Liberty has a 90%-win rate across all legal actions. And that’s not all, we’re undefeated at the Supreme Court, boasting a 9-0 record. What’s more, we don’t charge our clients for our legal services. No matter how long their cases take, or how much they cost. But to win fights like Marisol’s, we need the support of people like you. Will you help us answer this attack on Marisol’s faith? No one should have to choose between their job and their faith.
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Grateful for you,
Kelly
Kelly Shackelford
President, CEO & Chief Counsel
First Liberty Institute |
First Liberty Institute is a nonprofit, charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It does not endorse or participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
First Liberty conducts research and provides analysis on the effects of policy actions on religious liberty. This publication is intended to be used for informational, educational and reference purposes only. |
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Disclaimer: This message does not necessarily reflect the views of The Christian Post. Opinions expressed are solely those of the sponsor. |
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