Pro-Life Sweatshirt OK

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Rochester Area Right To Life

Texas Student Wins Right To Express Pro-life Message on His Clothing

ANN ARBOR, MI – The principal of Canyon High School in Canyon, Texas, quickly reacting to a demand letter from the Thomas More Law Center, rescinded his earlier decision prohibiting John Denton from wearing his pro-life sweatshirt at school. Denton, a junior student, was told on April 22, 2002, that he could no longer wear his sweatshirt that displayed the message "Abortion is Homicide." As a result, Denton contacted the Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which defends the religious freedom of Christians and the sanctity of human life.

Thomas More Law Center Associate Counsel Edward White sent a demand letter to the Canyon school officials explaining Denton’s constitutional right to wear his pro-life clothing and demanding that the school immediately provide written assurance that Denton would be permitted to wear his pro-life sweatshirt to school. The Center requested an answer from the school district by May 10th. On May 9th, the School District’s attorney sent the Center a letter explaining that the principal had changed his decision and that Denton may again wear his pro-life sweatshirt to school.

According to White, "We are pleased that the school swiftly changed its decision to prohibit John from wearing his "Abortion is Homicide" sweatshirt. John has a firmly held opinion that abortion is wrong and he wants to express that opinion in school and elsewhere, as is his constitutional right."

The "Abortion is Homicide" sweatshirt worn by Denton was distributed by Rock For Life, a division of the American Life League (www.rockforlife.org), to allow students to voice their pro-life views.

Denton’s father, John Denton, Sr., stated, "I’m glad the Holy Spirit moved the school district officials and helped them reach the correct decision. I appreciate the efforts of the Thomas More Law Center in restoring my son’s rights so quickly."

Richard Thompson, the Center’s Chief Counsel, observed, "Unfortunately, public schools throughout the country violate the free speech rights of Christian students, but only a few of those students and their families want to challenge the schools’ violations."

This is  press release from the Thomas More Law Center.   The Law Center defends the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through litigation, education, and related activities. The Center provides its services at no charge, and depends on individual donations, foundations, and corporations for financial support. The IRS recognizes the Center as a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible. You may contact the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit its website at www.thomasmore.org.


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