Suit Challenges School's Refusal To Permit Church Related Flyers

A federal lawsuit was filed Tuesday against the Pulaski County, Arkansas Special School District on behalf of an elementary school student who, along with her mother, was denied permission to distribute flyers inviting other students to a swimming event sponsored by plaintiff's church. The complaint (full text) in A.W. v. Pulaski County Special School District, (ED AR, filed 4/13/2010), alleges that the school violated the free expression, free exercise and establishment clauses as well as the due process and equal protection clauses by permitting students and community groups to distribute other flyers, but banning those promoting a church-related event. Alliance Defense Fund issued a release announcing the filing of the lawsuit.