Is Jesus Allowed In School? Advocates for Faith & Freedom Files Suit

Advocates for Faith & Freedom Press ReleaseSeptember 8, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Victor Bermudez or Lori Sanada (888) 588-6888

Is Jesus Allowed In School? Advocates for Faith & Freedom Files Suit

West Covina, CA. Advocates for Faith & Freedom filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Monday, September 8^th 2014. The federal complaint comes after the parents of Isaiah Martinez felt their son’s right to freedom of religious speech was revoked in his classroom. Last Christmas, Isaiah Martinez took Christmas gifts intended for his first grade teacher and classmates to Merced Elementary in the West Covina Unified School District. Each gift consisted of a traditional candy cane with a message attached that recited the legend of the candy cane. The legend references a candy maker who created the candy cane to symbolize the life of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah’s older sister told him about the legend of the candy cane and Isaiah asked if he could share it with his teacher and his classmates. His sister then purchased candy canes, and helped Isaiah printed the candy cane message and tie a copy to each candy cane.

When Isaiah brought his Christmas gift to school, his teacher took possession of the candy canes. At the direction of the school principal, the teacher told Isaiah that “Jesus is not allowed in school” and ripped the candy cane message from each candy cane, threw the messages in the trash, and handed the candy canes back to Isaiah for delivery to his classmates. Isaiah then nervously handed the candy canes to his classmates in fear that he was in trouble for trying to bring a little Christmas cheer and “good tidings” to class.

Isaiah’s parents reached out to Advocates for Faith & Freedom, a non-profit public interest law firm, to learn whether the school and administration’s actions were lawful.

Advocates immediately sent a letter to the West Covina Unified School District demanding that the school apologize for how Isaiah was treated and adopt a policy prohibiting school officials from discriminating against or intimidating Christian and other religiously-affiliated students. Ultimately, Isaiah wants to be able to hand out his gift in class like all the other students in the future.

In January the story garnered attention from major news outlets including Fox, Univision, and NBC.

The school conducted an investigation and substantially confirmed the facts as presented, but the school district believed that their actions were warranted. Advocates then appealed to the school board requesting once again that Isaiah be allowed to hand out the candy canes and that the school board revise its policies. After the school board failed to adopt a new policy, Advocates appealed to the California Department of Education but the CDE has not yet responded.

Robert Tyler, lawyer and General Counsel, explained their decision to file a law suit saying, “the school has neglected to correct its actions, and after exhausting all options to avoid a lawsuit we were left with no choice but to file a complaint in federal court. We are asking the court to protect Isaiah's rights and the rights of others like him from having their religious speech censored. Students do not shed their First Amendment rights just because they enter into a classroom”.

If successful, the law suit will secure the right for Isaiah to share his Christmas gifts with his fellow classmates.

A copy of the original demand letter can be found here. A copy of the federal complaint can be found here. A picture of Isaiah and his Father, Alex Martinez, can be found here.

Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting religious liberty in the courts. You can visit our website at www.faith-freedom.com.

Email info@faith-freedom.com to receive press releases from Advocates for Faith & Freedom. Also, join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on our progress in this case and others.

UPDATE: Bailey's Pizza Story

Many of you may have read the story about Bailey’s Pizza. To recap, Stephen Rose, owner of Bailey’s Pizza in Searcy, Arkansas was contacted by the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) after Baily's Pizza kicked off a new promotion offering a 10% discount on Sundays for customers who bring a church bulletin to his restaurant. Advocates for Faith & Freedom is defending Bailey’s Pizza, as they continue to offer the discount - despite the opposition letter from the out-of-state Atheist group. In response, Jesse Randolph, Senior Legal Counsel to Advocates for Faith & Freedom sent a letter to FFRF explaining Mr. Rose’s right to offer the discount. FFRF has not responded to Advocates’ letter.

After news of the discount promotion got out, Bailey’s Pizza received a bomb threat and reported it to police. Despite this, the majority of the responses to the promotion has been positive. Bailey's Pizza has received enthusiastic support from the local community and around the country. Some people have come from other states to dine at  Bailey's Pizza and show their support. One Pennsylvania gentleman purchased 150 dollars’ worth of pizza each day for a week, for delivery to different organizations, such as the Police and Fire Departments.

This story has garnered national attention as many are watching to see what happens next.

So how can you help?

You can help by making a donation in support of our work and by coming to our Annual Justice Gala!

See below how you can join us and our honored guests for a night of entertainment, fellowship, and reflection on the current climate we face in our Nation today…

**Next week is the last week to buy tickets, so get yours before time runs out!**

Radical Atheist Group Pushes For Separation of Church and Plate

Advocates for Faith & Freedom Press Release August 22, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Victor Bermudez or Lori Sanada (888) 588-6888

RADICAL ATHEIST GROUP PUSHES FOR SEPARATION BETWEEN CHURCH AND PLATE

UPDATE: Advocates for Faith & Freedom has sent a letter (found here)  to Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Searcy, AR. Stephen Rose, owner of Bailey’s Pizza in Searcy, Arkansas has been contacted by the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation after he implemented and promoted a 10% discount on Sundays for customers who bring a church bulletin to his restaurant.

Advocates for Faith & Freedom is providing legal representation to Rose individually and to Bailey’s Pizza. “The discount doesn’t discriminate against anyone, it’s just a great way to promote the business” Rose said, “Nobody said they have to be Christian. In fact nobody said they have to believe anything at all. At Bailey’s Pizza the love of Christ is to be at the center our business. When people walk through the doors, we want them to know we love them. That’s our message, we love you whether you attend church or not. If you don’t attend Church, there are many ways you can still have access to church bulletins.” In addition to the church bulletin discount, Rose also offers discounts for hospital employees, college students, military personal, police officers, firefighters, EMT, teachers, and seniors.

Robert Tyler, lawyer and General Counsel with Advocates for Faith & Freedom, said, “This attack on Mr. Rose and his privately owned pizzeria is anti-American. Attacks of this kind on small business owners are growing and we are committed to defending their liberties.”

Jesse Randolph, Senior Legal Counsel to Advocates for Faith & Freedom, said, “This is another unfortunate example of the white-collar persecution faced by Christians in America in our day.  People of faith increasingly are being marginalized in the business world, in the courts, in government, and in academia, and we are committed to doing our part to reverse this trend.”

Advocates for Faith & Freedom will defend Mr. Rose from any litigation from Freedom From Religion Foundation and stands by Mr. Rose’s First Amendment right to incorporate his faith into his promotional materials. Mr. Rose has had an overwhelming response of support from this small southern town of 17,000 people. This story is recieving national attention after being covered by local news and national news sites.

Advocates for Faith & Freedom is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting religious liberty in the courts. You can visit our website at www.faith-freedom.com.

Email info@faith-freedom.com to receive press releases from Advocates for Faith & Freedom. Also, join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on our progress in this case and others.

How Can YOU Help Christians In Iraq? Here Are Four Ways

Dear Friend,

Christians are currently facing genocide in Iraq while many of their American brothers and sisters are silent. The militant Sunni Islamist organization ISIS has taken over complete portions of Iraq and Syria, sending a clear message to the Christians who don’t escape the area. That is, convert or die. Christians who choose the latter are tortured, beheaded, hung and crucified. Thousands are fleeing the area to seek refuge in other villages. ISIS has taken over a city in Northern Iraq called Mosul, and for the first time since Christianity was brought to the area 2,000 years ago, the city is empty of Christians. Churches have been looted and destroyed and homes have been confiscated.In times like these, unity among Christians is vital. It’s time for Christians to stand together with their brothers and sisters in the Middle East. As Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA.) said, “A culture that fails to protect believers may eventually find that it lacks the self-belief to protect itself.”

We are all horrified as we read the news stories, and many people want to help but don’t know how. So what can you do?

Here are four ways you can help the Christians under attack by ISIS:

1. Pray, and Fast Jesus tells us that some demons can only be cast out by prayer and fasting (Mathew 17:21 & Mark 9:29). Pray often for our Christian brothers and sisters. Pray especially for the children, who are not excluded from the torture and executions. Fasting is a great way to offer up our many worldly comforts to help expel the evils from Iraq and Syria.

2. Spread the Word Do not be silent. Spread the word. Keep your friends and family informed on what is going on. Stay active on social media. There is currently a movement flooding the internet commonly referred to as the #WeAreN movement. This started with people on Facebook and Twitter changing their profile pictures to the Arabic letter, “ ن ” which the ISIS painted on the homes and businesses owned by Christians in Mosul, Iraq. The letter is from the Arabic alphabet and stands for “Nasara,” or “Nazarene,” a word used to “demean” the Christians. This effort has backfired and the symbol has gone from a badge of shame to a symbol of Christian unity.

3. Support the Organizations Helping Christians Here are a few that are doing great work (in alphabetical order):

• Catholic Near East Welfare Association: http://www.cnewa.org/
• Barnabas Aid: http://barnabasfund.org/
• Rescue Christians: http://rescuechristians.org/
• The Voice of the Martyrs: http://www.persecution.com/

4. Sign the Petition Sign the petition encouraging the government to step in and save the Christians in Iraq. The efforts made by our government are not nearly enough. Visit the following site to sign the petition: https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/do-everything-possible-free-american-reporter-steven-sotloff-isis-syria-and-save-his-life/YvKDwNKp We at Advocates for Faith & Freedom promise to continue speaking out against the Christian genocide.We ask that you join us in praying for those living in fear because they choose to follow Christ. We also would like to thank you for all your support, as we continue to protect religious freedoms only with the help of supporters just like you.

In His Service,

Robert Tyler General Counsel

Can You Help Us?

As many of you know, our annual fundraising gala, Justice 2014, is coming soon. Many of you have been very gracious and supportive to us in times of need. And now...

We need your help!

During the gala, Advocates will host a silent and a live auction. We are in need of donated items for us to sell at the auction.

Advocates depends heavily on our annual Justice Gala to raise much needed funds so we may continue to defend your First Amendment rights.

Many of you have connections, and many of you have been blessed this last year. We humbly ask that you please take a look at what you have to offer, and offer it for the success of our Gala


Click here for our "Auction Form"

You can also call us at (888) 588-6888

Here’s an Idea of What You Can Give:

Once in a Lifetime Opportunities • A connection with a sports team of any sort to create a unique package (e.g. ball boy for a day at a Lakers game) • Frequent flyer miles – these will help us put together some great travel experiences • Use of your condo/timeshare/cabin • A hot air balloon ride, pilot lessons, a ride in a jet, etc. • Yacht cruise • A trip to a major sports event (e.g. Master’s Golf Tournament, Superbowl) • A one-of-a-kind experience or adventure

Indulgent Packages • Spa Package • Shopping spree at a mall • Weekend get-aways, vacations

Gift Certificates and Tickets • Restaurants • Bookstores • Theater tickets • Movie theater tickets • Sporting event tickets • Concert backstage passes

Other Gifts • Artwork • Autographed sports memoribilia • Ipads • Snowboards or surfboards • Celebrities – autographed photo, etc. • High-end purses and jewelry • GoPro camera • Your business' services • Gifts for the families • New furniture • Home decor

Here Comes Common Core... What's the big deal?

Dear Friend,
In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote, “Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil.” Our Founding Fathers recognized government as a necessary evil and, therefore, carefully crafted the American government with a separation of powers so no one branch of government became too powerful. Additionally, our Constitution provides the federal government with certain powers and the states with certain powers. Thomas Paine’s words ring truer now than in 1776, because the federal government’s “Common Core” curriculum interferes with States’ rights and violates federal laws prohibiting such control. 

Control of educational curriculum is a state right; not a federal right. Under Common Core and its financial incentives, the federal government is attempting to do what it legally cannot. The federal government, by financial incentives (our tax dollars), is attempting to take away power reserved for the states. A large part of the American government’s success lies in its inherent restraints on government power known as “checks and balances.” This means the federal government must not overstep its authority by ignoring the laws adopted by Congress.  We, as citizens, should be gravely concerned when any branch of our government ignores laws restraining it and, in this case, treads on the rights of States.

Everyone—not just parents—should oppose Common Core because it negatively affects the nation’s youth in two ways:

1. The math curriculum puts students almost two years behind their peers, potentially forcing them out of the university system and into the already impacted community college system, leaving our universities scrambling for foreign students who can qualify;
2. The questions students must answer on tests has an anti-conservative indoctrination and a socialism/communism agenda.  Common Core is about lowering the academic standards for American children and the indoctrination of an anti-American agenda.

Furthermore, Common Core collects our children’s data without proper parental consent. It is possible this data will be available to unknown sources. Common Core testing allows the educational system to ask if guns are in your home, if parents have served in the military, and other information not necessary to the academic pursuits of students.

What can parents do? Use an Opt Out Form to remove your children from the Common Core testing. As long as California has Common Core, students may not Opt Out of the curriculum entirely, but may Opt Out of the testing for religious reasons. If all students opt out of Common Core testing, the system will fail to accomplish its hidden agenda.  All citizens can write their political representatives encouraging them to get rid of the Common Core curriculum in California.  States like Texas and Alaska have not adopted Common Core for the reasons stated above.  Lastly, when you go to the polls, make sure you know your candidate’s view on Common Core.

There are many Opt Out Forms by great organizations, one source we recommend is TruthinAmericanEducation.com. You may also contact our office (888-588-6888 or email: info@faith-freedom.com), and we can send you an Opt Out Form.                              In His Service,                                                             Marty Nicholson                               Legal Counsel

 

Is Jesus Allowed in School? The Courts to Decide!

Dear Friend,

            Hostility towards religion, particularly Christianity, in public schools has increased dramatically in the past few years. Cases involving students being ridiculed and even reprimanded because of their Christian faith are on the rise.
 
            As some of you may recall, Isaiah Martinez, a first grader in West Covina, Calif., brought Christmas gifts to school to share with his classmates. The gifts were candy canes with attached notes describing the legend of the candy canes. The legend tells the story of the candy maker who created candy canes to represent the life of Jesus Christ.
 
            When Isaiah’s teacher saw what the note on the candy canes said, she confiscated them. After speaking with the principal, she told Isaiah that Jesus is not allowed in school. She then removed the notes at the direction of the principal and handed the candy canes back to Isaiah to distribute to the class.  The teacher then threw the notes in the trash.

            “Jesus is not allowed in school?”  Isaiah was understandably confused and embarrassed by what happened in class that day. Fortunately, his parents reached out to us to learn if the school and administration’s actions were warranted.
 
            We immediately sent a letter to the West Covina Unified School District demanding that the school apologize for how Isaiah was treated and demanded that it adopt a policy prohibiting school officials from discriminating against or intimidating Christian and other religiously-affiliated students, as is appropriate under the First Amendment of our Constitution.
 
            The school conducted an investigation and substantially confirmed the facts as we presented, but the school district believed that their discriminatory actions were warranted. We then appealed to the school board requesting once again that Isaiah be allowed to hand out the candy canes and that they adopt a revised policy. After the school board denied our appeal, we appealed to the California Department of Education to no avail. The school has neglected to correct its actions, and after exhausting all options to avoid a lawsuit we were left with no choice but to file a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. By filing suit, we will be asking the court to protect Isaiah's rights and the rights of others like him from having their faith censored.

            It’s unfortunate when these situations arise and must be brought before a judge in order to rectify injustice. Please join us in prayer as we take Isaiah’s case to trial and pray for the strength and protection of Isaiah and his family. In return, we are more than happy to pray for you and your families, and welcome your prayer requests. Send prayer requests and any questions to info@Faith-Freedom.com.
 
            If you’re tired of the way that Christians are marginalized in our country, and the increasing hostility towards Christians, please consider making a donation today. Your gift will go directly toward cases like Isaiah’s, and it will make an impact on the culture targeting people of faith today. We’re constantly stunned by the cases that come our way – primarily young students experiencing humiliation and discrimination simply because of their Christian faith. We ask for your support to continue our work protecting our First Amendment right to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

 In His Service,,

 

Robert Tyler

General Counsel

  
 
            We are grateful for your support and words of encouragement for our team and clients. Isaiah and his family are blessed to receive the comfort and guidance of their pastor, Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, who also serves on our Board of Directors.
 
            We are very fortunate to have Pastor Jack as our keynote speaker for Justice 2014! Please mark your calendars…  
 

Justice 2014 Annual Gala and Fundraiser “Understanding the Times”

Saturday, September 27th at 5:00 pm

Held at Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa 3050 Bristol Street, Costa MesaKeynote Speaker: Pastor Jack Hibbs

Entertainer and Emcee: Comedian Robert G. Lee Honored Guests: Tim and Beverly LaHaye

Get involved with Advocates for Faith & Freedom! This is your opportunity to support the work of Advocates. This event helps us raise funds to support our free legal services through dinner ticket sales, live auction, and silent auction. We hope you will join us – please visit our Justice 2014 page for more information and to purchase your ticket or table.

Victory for Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby Wins!

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that closely held corporations cannot be required to provide contraception coverage in conflict with their beliefs. The decision was issued in a 5-4 ruling Monday morning. The enormous forty-nine page majority opinion was written by Justice Alito, with Justice Kennedy writing a four page concurrence. Justice Ginsburg was joined in her dissent by Justice Sotomayor, with Justices Breyer and Kagan each filing their own dissenting opinions.

The major question in the case was whether a corporation would have protection under the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). According to the Supreme Court, yes they do. The Court held that closely held corporations are "persons" for purposes of RFRA. This means that RFRA gives protection not only to individuals, but also to closely held corporations. A closely held corporation is a private corporation with limited shareholders, usually family members or other close associates. RFRA is a federal statute that only applies to actions of the federal government and does not apply to the state.

“This case will have a substantial and beneficial impact upon a current case we are defending where a private corporation in California is being sued by former employer for alleged religious discrimination.” Robert Tyler, General Counsel, said “We have been awaiting this decision and are looking forward to applying this decision to protect religious freedom in the future.”

Meriam Ibrahim & Christian Persecution in Sudan

          If you’ve been following the story of Meriam Ibrahim, you’ve witnessed a roller-coaster of events for the courageous young mother refusing to deny Christ. You can read her story here. Ibrahim was brought up as a

Christian, despite her father being Muslim. Her marriage to her American-South Sudanese husband led to her sentencing as she was charged with adultery and apostasy. South Sudan, whose population has a Christian majority, became independent from the Muslim majority Sudan in 2011.

          Meriam was released Tuesday after an appeals court, overwhelmed by international pressure, struck down her death sentence. There was a great sigh of relief throughout the world and it seemed justice had prevailed at last for Meriam. However she was arrested again at gun point as she tried to leave the country with her husband and their two children.

She was charged with forging documents after attempting to use the documents issued by the embassy of South Sudan to leave the country. Sudan declared the documents invalid because they consider her marriage to her Christian husband invalid. After the online world created a hurricane of outcry demanding her release, D.C. and London are said to be working to resolve the situation.

Sudan has a history of persecuting Christians. According to http://www.worldwatchlist.us/ Sudan is the eleventh worst country in terms of Christian persecution.

We’d like to know your thoughts…

• Did you know about the situation in Sudan?
• Did you know Sudan receives hundreds of MILLIONS of dollars in funding from the United States?
• Is the US government active in using their international influence to fight persecution of Christians in the Middle East?

Share some knowledge with us and your fellow readers in the comment section!

How Can YOU Help? Click Here

Justice 2014 is Coming...How YOU can help!

Help make Justice 2014 our most successful gala yet!

 

Advocates for Faith & Freedom is proud to present Justice 2014 ~ Understanding the Times. This year’s Justice Gala will take place September 27th, at the Hilton Orange County in Costa Mesa. We’re working towards a more successful gala than ever before. This exciting event includes a three-course gourmet dinner, engaging speakers, and both live and silent auctions!

Here at Advocates we rely on God’s providence to carry us as we fight for your First Amendment rights. The Justice Gala is a major contributor in covering court fees and other litigation expenses to continue the important cases being fought in America’s courts to uphold your religious liberty. It’s a very special event, and we would love for you to be a part of it.

Visit our Justice Gala Event Page at http://www.faith-freedom.com/justice-2014/

Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Secure tickets to attend Justice 2014 Like we said, this is going to be an amazing event that you won’t want to miss. Purchase individual tickets for you, your spouse, family members, friends, neighbors, bible study groups, and work associates. Don’t forget to upgrade to Liberty Tickets to have access to the exclusive Liberty Reception before the dinner and receive an autographed book.

2. Purchase a table at Justice 2014 For the best value and the best experience at Justice 2014, be sure to purchase a table so you can enjoy the event with yourself and nine others. If you buy a table, you’ll pay for nine tickets and receive the tenth one free. Upgrade to a Liberty Table and you and each person at your table will have access to the exclusive Liberty Reception before the dinner and receive an autographed book.

3. Donate an auction item to Justice 2014 During the Justice Gala, Advocates will host a silent and a live auction! Do you have something special that you know someone out there would really enjoy? It may be services offered by your company, sports event tickets, frequent flyer miles, gift certificates, spa packages, weekend getaways, or any other one-of-a-kind experience or adventure. Please take a look at what you have to offer, and offer it for the success of our Gala!

4. Advertise at Justice 2014 Put your company’s name right in front of a coveted, conservative audience by purchasing an ad in our Justice 2014 program. Spaces are limited in this information packed program, and they will go fast!

5. Become a Justice 2014 Freedom Sponsor We can’t host the Justice Gala without sponsors. If you feel Lord has blessed you and wants for you to give back, then join in our efforts by becoming a Justice 2014 Freedom Sponsor. You will receive access to our Liberty Reception, advertising benefits, plus many more exclusive sponsor benefits.

6. Make a donation If you can’t make it to the Justice Gala, you can still be a part of our mission. Help us continue protecting religious freedom by donating $50, $100, or even $500 to Advocates today!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lori Sanada at 951-304-7583 or lsanada@faith-freedom.com.  All of us here at Advocates and our clients thank you very much for your support and donations to this important event.  Our ongoing legal efforts are not possible without YOU!In His Service,

Robert Tyler General Counsel & Ron Strand Liberty Legacy Title Sponsor