Judge: worship services permitted in New York City schools outside school hours

July 05, 2012

A federal district court judge has ruled that New York City public schools cannot discriminate against churches in permitting outside organizations to use school property outside school hours.

“The fact that a youth basketball program holds tournaments in a school at the same time that a church holds Sunday services there, both pursuant to neutral policy that promotes the general welfare of the community, does not suggest to the informed objective observer that the school is endorsing religion, just as it does not suggest the school is endorsing basketball,” Judge Loretta Preska ruled.

Attorneys for the city board of education intend to appeal the ruling.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Bronx Household of Faith v. Board of Ed. (United States District Court)
• Fed. Judge Rules Churches Can Stay in Schools for Now (WNYC)
• Churches In Public Schools: Bronx Household Of Faith Wins Case Against P.S. 15, Churches May Hold Worship Events in New York Schools (Huffington Post)