Highline Public Schools faces federal lawsuit over religious freedom claims

Highline Public Schools in Washington state is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) regarding the alleged violation of a student's First Amendment rights.

The legal dispute reportedly began in 2022 when the student, then a second grader at North Hill Elementary School, had her backpack searched and her Bible and Gospel tracts confiscated after discussing her faith with classmates. While the district allegedly acknowledged the conduct was wrong and provided written assurances at the time, the lawsuit claims the issues have persisted.

The current litigation involves more recent incidents at Sylvester Middle School. The lawsuit alleges the student was pulled from class after distributing Gospel tracts and was later told she had ‘no choice’ but to participate in a mandatory ‘Inclusion Assembly’ that conflicted with her religious beliefs. The ACLJ argues that school officials failed to establish a substantial reason to interfere with the student's constitutional rights.