New York school grants permission for Bible club after earlier denial.

An eighth-grade student in a New York public school district was initially denied the right to form an official Bible club, but after lawyers and the First Liberty Institute (FLI) intervened, the school has agreed to establish the club next week.

The Bible club at Waterville Jr./Sr. High School, which is part of the Waterville Central School District in central New York state, was previously informed by Elijah Nelson that the school cannot have a school-sponsored club associated with a religion. As a result, the school would not officially recognize, fund, or sponsor the Bible club in the same manner as any other club.

Over the past two years, Nelson has sought permission from the district to establish a Bible club to connect with classmates who share his faith. Although the school initially rejected his request, the leadership later agreed to allow the club to meet informally during lunch with a staff member supervising the students. Additionally, the school provided Nelson with the option to apply as an outside organization, enabling him to utilize the school's facilities after hours.

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Spring stated on Thursday that the Waterville Central School District will establish the Bible Study Club at the next school board meeting. She clarified that the direction given to Nelson was not accurate.

"We aim to give all students the chance to learn, develop, and connect through diverse activities, including student-led clubs," she stated. "In January 2024, incorrect information was given to a student about establishing a Bible Study Club, and alternative options were presented to the group. There was renewed interest to start the club in September 2024, and students have been meeting weekly in the library ever since."

"The Board of Education will formally establish the Bible Study Club during its December 10 meeting, in accordance with district policy, as per a resolution, she informed Planet Chronicle Digital. She thanked the students and their families for their patience throughout the process."

The school initially denied officially recognizing the club, stating that it would unconstitutionally "endorse" religion. However, FLI, with the help of C. Kevin Marshall and Michael Bradley from Jones Day law firm, sent a letter to district officials on behalf of Nelson, arguing that denying his request was a violation of his civil rights and First Amendment freedoms, as stated in a recorded phone call cited in the firm's letter.

In the letter, the attorneys argued that refusing Elijah's request based on his inability to "endorse a specific religion" is "outdated and misguided." They pointed out that while endorsement was once a requirement of the Establishment Clause, a provision of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the government from establishing a religion, it is no longer necessary. Now, the Establishment Clause only requires a secondary school to maintain "neutrality" between religious and non-religious groups.

The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from discriminating against religious observers and organizations when granting benefits.

Elijah's father, Pastor Daniel Nelson, expressed to Planet Chronicle Digital his confusion about why the school treats religious students differently than others.

He suggested that the school could be more accepting of students who want to gather for reading the Bible and prayer.

Keisha Russell, a senior counsel at First Liberty, stated that it is unlawful for a school to reject a Bible club while allowing other clubs.

Russell stated, "Although we haven't received confirmation from the school district, we hope they will make the right decision regarding the establishment of the club."