TODAY: Enfield School Board to Vote on Possible Appeal in Fight for First Amendment

“Bias and hostility toward religion cannot be allowed to prevail.” - Vincent McCarthy, Senior Attorney, American Center for Law and Justice

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2010— Tonight the Enfield School Board will vote to determine if they will ask the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York to hear an expedited appeal in the case of Does v. Enfield.  On Memorial Day, the U.S. District Court of Connecticut issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting two Enfield School District high schools from holding their graduation ceremonies in a local cathedral. 

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which specializes in constitutional law, represented the school district in the legal proceedings.  The ruling came despite the fact that the Enfield School District had agreed to cover many of the religious symbols in First Cathedral, the proposed site of the graduation ceremonies. 

"Constitutional law in this area is clear.  Holding a secular event at a religious facility does not constitute an endorsement of or entanglement with religion," said ACLJ Sr. Attorney Vincent McCarthy.  "We hope to argue the case more fully in the court of appeals as we are confident that legal precedent and common sense will ultimately win out."

WHAT: Enfield School Board Meeting

WHEN: Thursday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Henry Barnard Elementary School - 27 Shaker Road, Enfield, CT 06082

INTERVIEWS: ACLJ Sr. Attorney Vince McCarthy and chairman of the Enfield School Board Greg Stokes will be available for interviews starting at 6 p.m. outside Henry Barnard Elementary School.  To schedule a phone interview, contact Kelly Wells or Kelsey Ware at 770-813-0000.

Enfield School District's decision to hold graduation at First Cathedral was primarily based on financial reasons.  In June 2009, The Enfield School District set aside a budget of $32,000 for graduations in 2010.  Even though other venues were explored, each cost substantially more than First Cathedral.  

The church also provides the best amenities, offering ample seating and parking, advanced audio visual capabilities, and general comfort for graduates and their families.  Additionally, Student Board of Education representatives from both Enfield and Fermi High School stated that, after polling their fellow classmates, the vast majority wanted graduation to be held at the church and signed petitions in support of the venue.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.  The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org. 

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