RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA, April 14, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A high school student wearing a t-shirt that stated: (front) “Tolerance is the virtue of believing in nothing”, and (back) “Truth is truth – homosexuality is wrong” was threatened with suspension. The ‘A’ student, with no history of discipline problems, was removed from class and sent to the principal’s office where she was told to change shirts or leave campus.
Her parents called the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI). “It is regrettable when parents have to choose which right their child will be deprived of – free speech or a public education,” said Kevin Snider, Chief Counsel for PJI. One of PJI’s attorneys immediately called the school and faxed a letter that same day explaining how students have First Amendment rights which follow them when they step onto a school campus.
Ironically, the school asserted that the censorship was based on “tolerance” and “diversity.” A school official explained that a homosexual will be offended by a shirt that says “homosexuality is a sin.”“One-way tolerance is not tolerance, but tyranny,” said Brad Dacus, President of the Pacific Justice Institute. “Intolerance of students with religious or moral convictions should have no place in public education.”
PJI informed school officials that the student will continue to wear that shirt, and other shirts expressing her values and beliefs, at her discretion. The school has since stopped harassing this student.
Students who have been disciplined or otherwise been denied their right to religious-based speech are encouraged to immediately contact the Pacific Justice Institute. PJI provides all of their legal assistance without charge.