A group of cheerleaders was happy to combine their two loves: God and football. However, one person sitting in the bleachers wasn't too pleased. They filed a complaint saying that the use of religious prayer and banners in the schools was unconstitutional and the superintendent swiftly banned all religion from football games.
However, the cheerleaders decided to fight back the old fashioned way: in court.
The constitution calls for a separation of church and state, which means all government institutions, like public schools, can't impose their religious beliefs on anyone. This amendment was of course created to protect Americans. The birth of this very nation was principled on a melting pot of people, who fled their motherlands from religious persecution. Since the very beginning Americans knew it best not to punish anyone for their beliefs because they knew how disastrous that could be.
While every American agrees with that, that doesn't mean the idea can't draw conflicting points of views. Some people think it best that no one mention their god at school, while others believe it can be an enriching, multicultural experience, and opportunity for students to learn about different beliefs.
So what did the judge rule when the cheerleaders brought their argument to court? The latter. The cheerleaders made the banners on their own volition, the school didn't ask them to, so the judge ruled that the girls were merely expressing their religious identity and culture rather the school imposing its own.
"Religious liberty, deemed by our nation's founders as the 'First Freedom,' is the foundation upon which our society has been built," said Attorney General Ken Paxton. "I'm pleased the Texas Supreme Court has ensured that the Kountze cheerleaders will be able to continue defending their right to express their faith — the most fundamental of American freedoms."
What do you think of the court's ruling? Let us know in the comments!
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