I want to give a quick update on two new matters that the American Center for Law and Justice has gotten involved with.  Both cases involve hostility towards religious expression and people of faith.

The first situation is out of New Jersey.  I will post more information about this outrage later in the week.  Needless to say, when the information first came to my attention I was outraged, as I am sure you will be as well.  It appears that in Burlington Township in New Jersey, the School District conducted a mock hostage taking.  Taking precautions over school violence is certainly important.  However, this particular school district decided that in their mock hostage taking, the group that engaged in the activity was right-wing religious fundamentalists.  In fact, allegedly the group came in and took students hostage because one of the members of the organization's daughter was suspended for praying before the school day. 

No other group in America would tolerate this kind of hostility.  The School District's mock hostage taking program targeting Christians as the perpetrators is outrageous.  I've instructed our staff to commence the preparation of a legal demand letter that will be sent to school officials in the next few days. 

In Washington, D.C. we are also developing a case involving suppression of free speech activities in public areas.  Rev. Pat Mahoney conducts an Easter Stations of the Cross religious event throughout Washington, D.C. on public sidewalk areas.  These areas are open for free speech.  Unfortunately, police officials told him because of "Church State Separation" he cannot conduct this activity any longer.  Jim Henderson from our office is reviewing all the data now and is preparing a demand letter to send to Washington, D.C. officials.  If we are not successful in getting this matter resolved, I have authorized the filing of Federal Court action.