Minneapolis, MN - Today, Liberty Counsel filed a lawsuit on behalf of Child Evangelism Fellowship of Minnesota (CEF) against Elk River Area School District #728, asking a federal court to halt the district’s discriminatory treatment of CEF. The district does not allow CEF to distribute literature and participate in school events to promote its Good News Clubs. The Boy Scouts and other patriotic and community service organizations are permitted to distribute their literature and promote their groups to the students. 

CEF is a worldwide, nonprofit organization with many community outreach programs. One program is its Good News Clubs, which are free, after-school programs for elementary students that provide lessons on responsible citizenship, including character development, patriotism, respect for authority, and community service from a biblical viewpoint.

In addition to allowing organizations other than CEF to provide written information for students, the district hosts "open house" events at the beginning of each school year. Parents attend to meet teachers and learn about the different programs available for their children. By denying CEF the opportunity to participate in the literature distribution and "open house" events on an equal basis with secular groups, the district is in violation of clear legal precedent.

The United States Supreme Court decision known as Good News Club v. Milford Central School District cleared the way for religious, after-school clubs to use school facilities on the same basis as other similarly situated secular groups. Equal access is important for Good News Clubs, because the clubs do not grow very quickly in schools where students are unaware of the meetings.

Liberty Counsel is working with Child Evangelism Fellowship in many states to clear the way for CEF's Good News Clubs to use public school facilities after school. Liberty Counsel published educational materials focusing on the rights of students and teachers in public schools and also provides legal assistance to school officials in drafting policies respecting the free speech rights of students, staff, parents, and groups using school facilities.

Mathew D. Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: "Equal access is the law, and equal access means equal treatment in every respect. Good News Clubs are one of the most positive influences that public schools can offer to parents and their children. It is absurd that anyone would want to reject an organization that promotes patriotism, civic responsibility, and character development. These are qualities that young children need to learn about and develop. Instead of restricting Good News Clubs, public schools ought to embrace them."