Keisha Russell, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute, explains that Grand Island Senior High School in New York traditionally allows seniors to pay $50 for their own parking spot, where they are encouraged to "express themselves through positive artwork."
But the school has rejected rising senior Sabrina Steffans' different design submissions because they are religious – with messages like "God is love," scripture references, and crosses.
Russell says Steffans was basically told she cannot say "God" or cite the Bible, though the general text of verses like Jeremiah 29:11 or John 14:6 would be allowed.
First Liberty has written a letter to the district.
"The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the First Amendment requires public school officials to be neutral in their treatment of religion, showing neither favoritism toward nor hostility against religious adherents," it notes. "Accordingly, the First Amendment forbids religious activity that is sponsored by the government but protects religious activity that is initiated by individuals acting on their own behalf."
In other words, any time the government opens a forum where people can speak privately – like a parking space – the government cannot infringe on Christians' rights.
"That's what's happening here," Russell summarizes. "To deny our client a school tradition that lets the seniors express themselves in a unique way just because she has a religious message is not only unconstitutional; it's mean."
The Grand Island Central District, which is located between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, has not begun the 2025-2026 school year yet, but ahead of its start next month, First Liberty awaits a response.
"If they're not amenable to fixing the situation, then we will sue them in federal court," says Russell.
