Fifth-Grade Student Fights for Right to Share Bible Verses at School
A Texas school district is now rightly allowing a fifth-grade special needs student to share Bible verses with her peers.
Described as “a girl with a vibrant faith,” the student began passing out Bible verses on small pieces of paper to her classmates during non-instructional times (lunch, recess and after school). The verses included:
- “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
- “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” (Psalm 119:50)
- “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:7)
- “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:5)
- “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
When the student offered a verse to her principal, she confiscated all the Bible verse slips.
According to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ),
[Student’s name] explained that since the principal was taking the verses, the principal might be able to share them with individuals who might be “having a bad day,” but the principal nonetheless refused to return the materials.
The student also attempted to give a verse to her teacher, who firmly instructed the student to stop.
The ACLJ reported this interaction left the student feeling “frightened and confused as to why her attempt to spread the joy of Jesus was wrong.”
The student’s foster mother took action, emailing the teacher to ask about the censorship. Contrary to the principal, the teacher claimed the student was passing out verses during class time.
The next day, the principal contacted the student’s mother, claiming “district policy prohibits [student’s name] from distributing Bible verses at any time while on school property.”
In a letter to the school district challenging the censorship, the ACLJ argued:
Students, including [student’s name], enjoy the right to engage in private religious speech and expression while in attendance at public schools.
School officials do not possess absolute authority over their students.
Students in school as well as out of school are persons under our Constitution. They are possessed of fundamental rights which the state must respect, just as they themselves must respect their obligations to the state.
The ACLJ added that although the principal has the authority to manage her school, “she must do so in a manner that complies with the First Amendment.”
Additionally, ACLJ attorneys cited Tinker v. De Moines Independent Community School District – a 1969 case concluding students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”
In their letter, the ACLJ requested that the school district confirm they would allow students to share religious materials during non-instructional hours.
In a response letter on behalf of the school district, General Counsel Mike Harper acknowledged the mistake, stating:
I discussed with the principal that a student may distribute religious materials during non-instructional time, when the distribution does not interfere with work in the classroom.
The principal assured me that she understood and confirmed that Board policy will be followed in the future.
Acknowledging the victory, ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow said,
“This is not just a win for one student – it’s a victory for every student’s right to live out their faith.”
“We’re proud to have stood by her and grateful to see her rights affirmed.”
Through her courageous actions, this fifth-grade girl not only demonstrated great faith, but also a commitment to living it boldly. One of the verses she shared with her classmates perfectly reflects her actions: “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7).
In a world full of darkness and opposition, let us be inspired by this student’s perseverance in sharing light and truth.
Related Articles and Resources:
Spread the Word: Bring Your Bible to School
What Drains Us of Courageous Faith?
In Victory for Parental Rights, Iowa Law Permits Students to Receive Religious Instruction
JD Vance: ‘You Shouldn’t Have to Leave Your Faith at the Door’
Religious Liberty is the Preserver to Keep America Afloat
Corey DeAngelis Sues School Board for Violating His Free SpeechFocus on the Family Supports Bill Restoring Churches and Non-Profits’ Free Speech Rights
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