The Rutherford Institute files suit in Virginia on behalf of a Spanish teacher
The Rutherford Institute (RI) has filed a lawsuit in a Virginia federal district court on behalf of William Lee, a Spanish teacher at Tabb High School (THS), against the York County School Board (YCSB). RI's suit alleges that THS officials violated Mr. Lee's free speech and equal protection rights when they removed religious posters from his classroom while he was out on sick leave. The suit requests the court to order THS officials to allow Mr. Lee to remount the posters, including one that publicizes the National Day of Prayer. In a letter to RI, York County Attorney James E. Barnett says the posters were properly removed because of the "overtly religious nature of the displays and their narrow focus on only a religious point of view." The posters were removed after a parent advocate complained on behalf of a student. However, Mr. Lee says that no student or parent ever discussed the issue with him. He insists that the posters were displayed to provide students with "an accurate and complete treatment of Hispanic and pre-Hispanic society," including the issue of religious faith. His suit also claims that the posters were used to publicize the student Christian club he advises. Mr. Barnett plans to discuss the specific allegations with school officials. "There are some circumstances that are appropriate," he says. "The question is, are they appropriate in the context of Spanish-language instruction?"
Boston.com NewsBy Zinie Chen Sampson (Associated Press)
[Link to full story][
Editor's Note: The legal complaint is available below.]
[Complaint in Lee v. York County School Board]