Good News Club Suit In Virginia Settled

Following up on last month's issuance of a preliminary injunction by a Virginia federal district court barring the Williamsburg- James City County School Board from charging user fees to the Good News Club for after-school use of school facilities (see prior posting), the parties have entered into a stipulated Consent Decree settling the case. On Sept 12, the court issued an order approving the settlement (full text), which included a new school board policy for community use of school facilities that waives fees for all community groups using school space for after-school activities. The school, through its insurer, will also refund user fees paid in past years by the Good News Clubs and reimburse plaintiffs $20,000 for litigation costs. Liberty Counsel yesterday issued a press release on the settlement.