Michigan primary schools overturned the course after it reportedly barred at least one student from playing Christian music at talent shows.
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Westward Elementary School in Allegan, Michigan, said the Fast Liberty Institute, a nonprofit law firm defending Christian values, initially said it would not allow at least one student to perform songs by Christian artists Colton Dixon and Brandon Lake.
The educator reportedly told the student in question that the lyrics of the song are “based on Christians.” However, that changed after the first Liberty sent a letter to the administrator, and the authorities reversed the course.
“We appreciate the school’s prompt attention to our letters and their perception that the law is very clear on the part of students,” Kayla Toney, the first freedom lawyer, said in a statement. “Our clients look forward to singing faith-based songs, like practice and planning, at the talent show on May 23rd.”
Allegan Public School District Principal James Antoine said in a statement to CBN News that concerns were raised about the handling of the situation regarding the talent show, which has improved.
“On review, school staff were determined to be unfamiliar with legal guidelines regarding religious expression in public school settings,” the statement read. “To be clear: Students are permitted to perform songs of their choice, including those with religious content, with material tailored to the student code of conduct, particularly in terms of language and subject.
Antoine said she was happy to see that the matter was quickly concluded and expressed her apologies for the confusion and surprise that arose in the process.
“We regret the confusion and frustration that this situation may have caused us to support our students’ diverse talents,” the statement concluded.
Tony told CBN News that when the first Liberty learned about the first complaint on April 29, the student’s father reached out to him when he explained that his nine-year-old was told he couldn’t play Christian songs.
“We jumped on it right away,” she said. “It turns out that the sweet nine-year-old was practicing all month, and he would let the school know what his song would turn out.”
Tony called the school’s quick response “a big result.” And the first Liberty asked the school to provide training to help staff better navigate these issues in the future.
The lawyers emphasized the importance of speaking and taking action when these events unfold. The children at the heart of this story would not have been able to audition if the initial freedom had not been involved.
“He probably wasn’t allowed to participate, or he would have been forced to change his song and choose different lyrics that the principal approved,” Tony said. “It’s wrong, it’s unconstitutional and we’re very happy that it didn’t happen.”
She continued. “I am very grateful that this family stood out because the culture and pressure that was cancelled is so easy to silence you.”
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