A high school student in New York is threatening legal action after her design for a custom parking space was denied. The problem? The design made references to the Bible.
School administrators told Grand Island Senior High School student Sabrina Steffans that her design for her personalized senior parking space was rejected because it was simply too religious. School, they argued, is a secular space – even the parking lot.
Now, Steffans’ lawyers are urging the district to allow her to use the faith-based design, and reverse what they say is a clear violation of her First Amendment rights.
Third Time’s the Charm
Two years ago, Grand Island instituted a policy allowing seniors to pay a $50 fee to personalize their parking spaces for the school year. Designs have to first be approved by school administrators, and Steffans – a devout Christian and head of the school’s Christian club – wanted to represent her faith in her parking space.
She initially submitted a design featuring a cross, heart, and the Bible verse John 14:6.
A (Satanic) Can of Worms?
In a meeting with the school’s principal and assistant principal, Steffans was told her design was unacceptable because it could open a can of worms school administrators didn’t want opened.
Allowing her to use her Christian design, they said, would mean students could use Satanic imagery in their parking spaces – “and I wouldn’t want to attend a school like that,” one of the administrators stated. They advised her to drop the scripture and hide the cross as a lower-case "t" if she wanted the design approved.
Steffans submitted a second design with the words ‘Jeremiah 29:11’, though devoid of the actual contents of the scripture. As instructed, she disguised the cross as a ‘t’ in the words “Let Your Light Shine” – a quotation from the Sermon on the Mount. Again, school administrators denied the design, arguing it was still too religious.
Finally, a third design was approved after she removed overt references to God and scripture.
Anti-Christian Discrimination?
“Viewpoint discrimination” is how First Liberty Institute senior counsel Keisha Russell described the school’s rejection of Steffans’ faith-based design. "Just merely rejecting a very benign, religious message is going to be problematic for [the school] in court," explained Russell, who was listed on the letter sent to the school urging them to reverse their decision, lest they face legal action.
Steffans’ lawyers say that the parking space itself constitutes a public forum, meaning any designs on it are actually private speech which cannot be discriminated against on the basis of faith.
They argue that the school has leeway to censor objectionable or hate-filled designs, but that refusing a Christian design just because it is religious in nature is a “textbook” violation of First Amendment rights.
School Backs Down
Days after being threatened with a lawsuit, the school has reversed course and decided to approve Steffans' original design.
Superintendent Bill Graham released a statement, saying:
“We take seriously our responsibility to uphold constitutional principles, including the First Amendment. While we strongly dispute any assertion that our policies or decisions violated the rights of any student, the Board of Education and District leadership, after careful consultation with legal counsel, have decided that the student in question will be permitted to proceed with her original senior parking space design.”
What do you think of the decision? When it comes to displays of faith on school grounds, where should the line be drawn?
47 comments
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Yet another example of why I believe in NO RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS.
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Curtis Lynn Bibb
You see...here is the issue.
The over riding factor is how so many claim to love Jesus yet hate so vehemently. Claiming to be wise they become fools. This is not me stating such...it's in the letter.
In todays political agendas...being a part of a totalitarian government by professing to be a 'Christian" is a right of passage to be included (In delusional) of a supposed Make America Great Again mindset.
It's eye opening to see/hear so many claiming to be in the body of "The Called Out Ones" looking for a supposed utopia of white supremacy and/or return of slavery....women being second or third class citizens...God knows what else while looking at a traitor being a puppet to a war criminal and dictator in Putin or Xi or Kim Jong Un. A traitor that the ultra Right sees as a messiah since this person claims over and over that only :He" can solve the problems. Is this not Anti-Christ? Not the anti Christ but anti Christ. Many coming proclaiming to be "He".
"The Letters" firmly spell out that when one sees all of the ongoings in todays world...wars and potential wars or threats of wars/famine/celestial happenings/etc...to look up! for your redemption is near. But instead so many are afraid to see themselves as they are. With no real salvation just claims..not looking for the world to come but in the society these seek.
Are these looking for the 2nd coming? Apparently not. It shows a total lack of understanding of what is to be must be. But in that these that lack understanding and/or salvation become part of the prophecy. Astonishing to see prophecy being fulfilled right now. Today.
As the letter states..."Even so come Lord Jesus".
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ServantOfJudgement
I do agree that God is on the move and is actively passing judgement on our nation and states individually.
Out of control drunkenness, drug use pushed by mega corps, pornography, godless capitalism, IMeMy syndrome can be seen in countless tik toks and YouTubes, perversion of His church and inside His church. Churches lust for money and fly the perverted rainbow covenant as a symbol of pride in ones sexual preference as long as it's not heterosexual. Chopping babies from the womb by the millions. Many things have we done against God. Remove God from school to make room for guns. Musicians produce openly satanic videos and lyrics pervert and indoctrinate the youth into evil outlooks.
God's forms of judgement can be seen in many places and states. If God is real, he will continue to ramp things up.
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shiningwolf9
LMAO !!!!
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Donald G Magel
WOW! Chopping babies from the womb!
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Alexander Clarke
There are many people serving long prison sentences that think just like you do. The difference so far is that they acted on their beliefs.
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obere mchugh
Wow, just wow.
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Colleen McAllister
Free speech ends when it impacts other's safety or well-being. I see no problem with the students design, other than I do not find them attractive. Let her put what she wants as long as it is not hate speech or threatening.
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shiningwolf9
And, yet, christianisms people seem to ALWAYS start the argument when other belief systems follow suit, claiming ANTI-CHRISTIANISM. They purposefully start religious wars where there should be none.
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ServantOfJudgement
I suppose they don't always start an argument Shining Wolf.
You just started the argument after a Christian stated a pretty neutral statement void of religion entirely.
Kinda weird I know but whatever religion you are or aren't, that one starts arguments without even realizing it.
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Joseph Grieco
However, Shiningwolf is correct. Once any group is allowed to have their own say, they do all in their power to exclude others. Let's say that parking spot is approved. Now another student wants their won Christian themed parking spot. Then another. Then another. Now some kid wants a Jewish themed one. He is suddenly singled out for being different. Even worse if a Muslim wants to do the same. Can you imagine the negative reaction from the parents of all those "good Christians" if an Islamic themed parking space appeared? Let me relate this with an anecdote. It's not mine. I've seen it often enough.
A guy is sitting in a bar, drinking a beer. Neither he nor the bar tender say anything to each other outside of ordering and paying. Both are middle-aged white guys. Very non-descript. Another man walks into the bar. Tall, white, well groomed. The type of guy who most folks would have no problem with. Before he can say anything, the bartender yells at him to get out and never come back. Now the customer sees and hears this and asks the bartender what that was all about. "You didn't see it, but that guy had Nazi tattoos on his hands and neck. While he may have been all quiet and polite, it wouldn't have remained. In a day or two he would have come back with a friend. They would have returned in a couple more days with more friends. Eventually, this place would get the reputation of being a Nazi bar, and no one else would want to come here." "You have to stop this before it begins!"
That's what's happening here. The School board recognizes if they allow one kid the Christian space, soon another will want one, then another, then another, and if any kid comes up with any religion other than Christian, the parents will be all over the school board for allowing Anti-Christian sentiments.
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ServantOfJudgement
If anything it's satanic discrimination, not Christian. The school cited potential satanic symbolism as the reason for the denial.
The school is actually correct. Corruption always follows freedom everywhere it goes.
No doubt they'll allow LGBTQIA++WhatsNext lots.
Super simple solution. Nobody gets a personalized parking space, never should have in the first place. Done.
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Alexander Clarke
An example of unintended consequences.
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Patricia Ann Gross
I'm having a hard time with this one. While I understand that John 3:16 is explicitly Christian (whether just the reference to the verse or it spelled out explicitly), denying "Let your light shine" is generic enough that even though it is in The Bible, it is probably also attributed to many secular inspirational sayings as well. Letting one's light shine can transcend most religions for that matter, so denying the more generic ones to capitulate to the the first one that is explicitly Christian and against the "secular only" policy makes no sense. Back to the rejections: If "let your light shine" is too religious, then anything that would inspire someone to do their best job or boost their self-esteem as they finish their high school years would also be. Things like "be the best you can be" or "you are beautiful inside and out" should also be off limits.
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Steven Ferrell
Very well said
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Robin Anne Hannon
I'm sitting here rolling my eyes. It's ridiculous, how is this a faith statement when she's saying, "No Jesus allowed?" Our founding fathers would be rolling in their graves.
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Rev. BH
Robin, i too am confused. "NoJesus Allowed" is a statement of Christian faith? Just the opposite, I'd think. So "No Satan Allowed" would be a sign of a Satan worshipper? Makes no sense.
Also, something seems off with the lettering as if it were an AI version. Too perfect, centered, clean, where the three previous ideas were very amateurish and childish. Anyone seen the actual spot?
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Rev. BH
My dumb. The illustration "No Jesus Allowed" at the top is not and never was Sabrina Steffans' design. It's some (AI?) created illustration of the school's policy and response to the young lady. i.e. 'we cannot let you post any religious beliefs on your parking spot.' Thus, No Jesus allowed.
Stupid of me for missing the point, I'm sure many of you didn't. But I'd still like to see her final parking spot drawing. An internet search yielded no results.
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ServantOfJudgement
The girls designs are in the article as well.
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Rev. BH
I'm not talking about the three sketches. I'm asking about seeing an actual photo of what finally ended up on her tarmac spot. Capisce?
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Curtis Lynn Bibb
It's a sad state of affairs when those claiming to be part of the "Body Of Christ" better known as "The Called Out Ones"....can't take a little heat so to speak....thin skinned...relying on human emotions instead of just recognizing that it's a spiritual battle not a physical or emotional battle. Not looking for the world to come but getting their feeling hurt and full of hate and rage. Professing themselves to to wise they become fools. It's in the letters.
You can't just be educated to become part of "The Called Out Ones"...you must be called....you must be chosen...then you must be faithful. I fear for so many that just claim to be a Christian.
What's next in our decaying country? Are we being forced into a "State Religion" as was the case in The Third Reich? Where you must be part of the a state religion to be part of the governing system? A system where you say "Yes Or Else"?
We all are suppose to have civil rights. But a parking spot at a public school isn't suppose to be a statement of beliefs for any ideology. Again....being educated/taught to become part of the body is just fooling ones self.
To be a Christian is a word I have always had trouble with. It was the citizens at Antioch that saw followers of "The Apostles Doctrine" as being "Christ Like" in how people were transformed not taught. It wasn't the believers that dubbed themselves with the term "Christian".
Everyone surely believes they are correct in their own eyes....and everyone has a right to believe what one so chooses. No I do not want anyone else's ideology forced down my throat Yet instead of fighting that spiritual battle...let's just physically harm to get a view point across.
To say if you don't believe in Jesus or the 10 Commandments you don't deserve to live or if you don't believe in Allah/Muhammad you are an infidel.
We live in a perverted world people. Where our supposed leaders are so wicked and perverted. Where sexual abuse is deemed "No Problem" as long as there's others helping to cover up for you yet believing these were sent by God Almighty to save our country. Where vulgarity is accepted in supposed assemblies of worship without consequences.
If you've be enlightened/truly born again...your life will show your light. Not just professing.
nuf said.
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Steven Ferrell
Had it been an alphabet student who wanted to put rainbow stuff in their spot, there would have been no question or problem, even though that would be offensive to others.
If you are going to ban certain things because it may offend someone, then you must ban everything that offends someone and where does it stop since someone could be offended by almost anything.-
Joseph Grieco
Grand Island, NY, is a smaller town in upstate NY, in an area. It is one of the most Conservative areas in the state, with a growing domination of local politics by far-right Christians. So the likelihood of a rainbow being used by a student is about as likely as Ayatollah Khamenei being received into the Baptist Church.
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Alexander Clarke
True and funny at the same time
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Scott Smith
Thank you Steven...
Not pissing anyone off, as you describe, isn't that the whole woke issue?
It is reminiscent of the "Please All, Please None" story we are familiar with. It does not, and cannot work that way, as someone is always offended.
People would be better off to learn to live and let live, and not be so readily offended.
People need to remember that we are indeed an immortal spirit living in a human body. We are not the body, mind, nor emotions. They are but a way of experiencing while we are here.
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Regina Chevron Addington
Let your light shine sounded good to me. Maybe without the chapter and verse. Unfortunate, but I understand it can be a slippery slope. Maybe they should just make the rules “Design your name”.
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James Riggle-Johnson
I hope the school and the student involved honor this sentiment when the next student wants to write “ALL HAIL SATAN!” on their own parking spot. It would be an interesting test to see how far these particular Christians are willing to support freedom of religion. Or is it just freedom of the correct religion?
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Rev. Dr. Dennis Chevalier, Ph.D.
I'm sorry but no Satan cannot be allowed any foothold anywhere
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Lionheart
Do you have any demonstrable evidence of the reality of Satan?
🦁❤️
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Alexander Clarke
Yes! Satan always wears the black hat in the movies.
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Scott Smith
There is no demonstrable evidence of the reality of Satan, nor is there demonstrable evidence of the reality of God. It is a choice of faith.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
Not sure what the fuss is. This women doesn't want Jesus parking in here parking space. She should add God and Holy Spirt too.
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ServantOfJudgement
The No Jesus Allowed is not the space in question. That's a picture for the article. It's interesting it's no fuss when you think it's against Jesus. In fact, the girls design is very much Pro Jesus.
Now that you know the space would be Pro Jesus, I'm sure it'll be quite a fuss.
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Mrknowitall
Keeping Hispanic illegals named Jesus out of her space is just fine
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Clara Ries
Sounds like a bad idea to begin with. One person's design is another person's problem. I could create a design intended to bully someone, promote anything I felt I should, etc. Just think if every tattoo you saw was a parking spot design... I'd drop the whole program.
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ServantOfJudgement
Yep, it's just a parking space. Shouldn't even give a space for seniors, park where it's open. Done.
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Barney Edward Smith
I believe that this whole issue is a bad statement from the start, and nobody thought it through. the 1st Amendments really don't apply here not unless you want to force it. now the real issue is the senior $50 parking fee that allows folks to identify themselves, which can and can not be good. if you want or if you feel called to preach and teach the gospel of Christ on a high school campus remember that Jesus lived a very humble life through word and deed. don't get caught up in secular respondents. this clearly got out of hand so much to the point that a law suit took place, well I pray that the young lady involved wasn't trying to just get recognition. but she really went about sharing the word of God to fellow classmates.
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Iden Charles Siegbert Hill
Cue the non-conformists. The article doesn't state whether or not the school will allow said satanists or other non-christians to personalize their parking spaces.
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Patti Anne Lisenbee
time for all other religions and Atheism and Satanists to put in a space to combat the Xian one. Funny how schools aren't teaching the Constitution anymore, or if they are, it's watered down to getting your religious rights or the right to have a gun. Nobody's learning anything. I hope all other religions and Satanism students (Seniors) all rally for a spot of their own. A good Atheist statement would round things out nicely.
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David Dorrycott
Goddess grant you all what you truly deserve.
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Walter J. Holbrook
This is discrimination.
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Psalm91
This is discrimination.
I see the Constitution is no longer in effect… Separation of church and state appears to have gone down the tubes. Shame, really. And totally preventable. How pathetic!
I could not agree more. Before answering my call to minister, I served my country in the US Army.
It is truly disturbing that with so many obvious human rights violations going unchecked, "I can't have my personalized parking space" becomes a topic for discussion.
If schools would return to actual teaching, there is hope that future youth might understand the importance and application of this countries most sacred documents and stop using them to validate violating others rights.
Well said !!
That is often misquoted and misunderstood. It is separation of church from state meaning the government cannot force religion on the people as the government did in the UK years ago with the Church of England.
It is not and never was intended to block someone from exercising their religion.
The 1st amendment also allows for freedom of speech, including in religion.
It also says the Government cannot endorse one religion over another. If a government agency, in this case the School Board, allows for an overtly Christian themed parking space for one student, but denies another, say Islamic, Hindu, Jewish, Wicca or even Church of Satan, that is as much discrimination as any other manner. The school board opened this can of worms on their own. Now they want to close it but cannot. I say let the kid have the parking space, but be prepared for what other kids want as a result.