CARMEL, IN - "As we celebrate the anniversary of the Bill of Rights, the Carmel Teens for Life Club learned that free speech cannot be taken for granted," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, which represents the high school students who lead the club.
On Monday, December 5, 2016, Liberty Counsel sent an initial demand letter with photo attachments, outlining the unconstitutional censorship of Carmel Teens for Life by Carmel High School administrators, which removed their pre-approved poster after a student complained. The letter requested a response by December 12, 2016. District counsel responded via phone on Tuesday, December 6, and assured Liberty Counsel that the District was taking the letter's concerns seriously. In addition, District counsel sent a request to the superintendent to obtain the District's side of the story, and stated that a response before December 12 was unlikely. Liberty Counsel agreed to extend the timeline for a response to at least December 23, before further action would be taken.
However, the District summoned the club's leaders three days later on Friday, December 9, 2016, demanding that they sign an agreement that they would not seek outside legal counsel or parental input, that they would have to receive prior approval for "all communications," and that they not use the word "abortion" in any communications, including Facebook. There was also a threat to withdraw teacher sponsorship if the teens did not sign the "Agreement."
Liberty Counsel sent an email Monday, December 12, at 2:16 p.m., demanding a response and an explanation. However, Liberty Counsel received no response for over 24 hours. Liberty Counsel placed a phone call to District counsel on Tuesday, December 13, at 3:36 p.m., seeking an explanation. However, District counsel was unavailable. With counsel unresponsive, Liberty Counsel informed the media regarding Carmel High School's actions at 4:55PM.
The Friday, December 9 attempt to strong arm the club behind-the-scenes was a game changer that should have received an immediate response from District. "It is highly improper for school officials to demand students forgo their rights and not seek legal counsel or parental input," said Staver.
Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
