Ohio protects students’ religious freedom while at school

The Governor of Ohio has signed into a law a Bill protecting students’ right to express their religious beliefs in school.

The Ohio Student Religious Liberties Act 2019 ensures that pupils are allowed to pray, attend religious clubs and submit assignments expressing their faith.

The Act follows at least 10 other US states which have similar legislation, according to the organisation Citizens for Community Values.

Everyone wins

Matt Sharp, Senior Counsel for religious liberty group Alliance Defending Freedom, said the Bill “reinforces that students don’t give up their First Amendment rights when they step through the doors of a school, and that’s a win for everyone”.

He added that it “ensures that schools can’t punish or give students a poor grade simply because they choose to express a religious viewpoint when completing a class assignment”.

In March, a New York student received an outpouring of support after she successfully challenged her high school’s decision to block a Christian club.

Daniela Barca, a pupil at Ketcham High School, took legal action after it refused permission for her to organise an after-school group because it was explicitly Christian.

Red Kite flying with wings spread

‘You can’t pray in free time’, says Colorado high school

US Govt dept upholds religious organisations’ right to public funding

Related Resources