New Jersey School District Sued for Ban on Christmas Music

The controversial music policy adopted by the Maplewood Public School District banning traditional Christmas music including instrumentals, has now become the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by the Thomas More Law Center. The lawsuit was filed Friday on behalf of Michael Stratechuk and his two children, who are students in the New Jersey School District, and claims that the policy is unconstitutional.

The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, filed the federal civil rights lawsuit arguing that School District's total ban on religious music conveys the impermissible, government-sponsored message of disapproval of and hostility toward religion. The lawsuit further argues that because the religious music is banned from the public schools, students are denied the ability to learn about and listen to music that has influenced the social, cultural, and historic development of civilization.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, commented, "This is another example of the anti- Christmas, anti-religion policy, infecting our public school system. The constitution does not require our public schools to become religion-free zones. Forcing students to strip all religious content from music is like asking them to study art history while excluding paintings from the Renaissance because they contain religious subjects."

The lawsuit explains that the Maplewood policy was implemented to ban students and student groups form playing traditional Christmas music at events during the 2004 holiday season. Groups such as the Martin Luther King Gospel Choir and the Brass Ensemble have both been banned from performing any traditional Christmas songs and carols including instrumentals.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. Contact the Thomas More Law Center at 734-827-2001 or visit the website at http://www.thomasmore.org

Contact: Brian Burch of the Thomas More Law Center, 734-827-2001