Latest news with #FirstLiberty
CBS News
13-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Colorado town settles lawsuit with church over homeless shelters for $225K
A Colorado town has settled a lawsuit brought on by a church that said the town was violating the church's religious freedom rights in trying to stop the church from using a shelter on its property. Attorneys for The Rock Church in Castle Rock on Friday announced the settlement, which includes the town allowing the church to use the trailers it was using as shelters on its property and paying the church's legal fees in the suit -- to the tune of $225,000. "The Town and the Rock believe that this agreement is in the best interest of all parties and successfully balances the Rock's religious free-exercise rights with the Town's public interest in enforcing land use regulations and protecting the general welfare, public health, and safety," the town and the church said in a joint statement. "The Town and the Rock are no longer in an adversarial posture in regard to the litigation and look forward to productive cooperation and potential partnerships on issues in the future." The statement was sent by attorneys for the church, but it was a joint statement from both parties as part of the settlement of the suit. CBS News Colorado reached out to the Town of Castle Rock for additional comment, but did not immediately hear back. "This is a welcome resolution that goes far to encourage churches who care for those in need and a good example of the type of cooperation between church and state that every community should welcome," First Liberty senior counsel Jeremy Dys, one of the church's attorneys, said in a statement. The Rock Church in Castle Rock, Colorado recently settled a lawsuit against the town, alleging the town was violating the church's religious freedom rights in trying to prevent church officials from using trailers on its property as emergency shelters. CBS The legal battle commenced just over a year ago when the church sued the town in federal court, but the dispute had been going on for years. The church parked two trailers in its parking lot it was using as emergency shelters for those in need, in partnership with the Red Cross, but the town argued that the trailers and their use as shelters violated town zoning rules. In December 2024, the town issued a determination letter that permits the church to operate its shelters and clarified that its zoning regulations don't prevent the church from providing additional shelter during public emergencies. The agreement allows the church to use up to seven trailers as emergency shelters and allows the town to erect privacy fences and screening. As a result of the settlement, the lawsuit itself was dismissed in federal court. "We are pleased that we can continue our church's mission to transform society by loving others as Christ loved us," The Rock Pastor Mike Polhemus said in a statement. "We love Castle Rock and are committed to working with the Town of Castle Rock to provide assistance to those in need, thus helping to reduce homelessness in our community." You can read the full settlement agreement here:
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Long Island village walloped by insane 87% property tax hike as locals blame office goof
A Long Island suburb voted to wallop homeowners with a 87% property tax hike— with local officials saying the insane increase was necessary because of a years-long administrative goof. Atlantic Beach's village board of trustees told residents the big number was needed because of how taxes were assessed by the county in recent decades but officials refused to give The Post further information or answer any questions. The Nassau County assessor said it was the village government that was improperly billing commercial properties. 'Nassau County is not responsible for the Village of Atlantic Beach budget or tax levy, nor do we calculate, bill, collect or distribute village taxes,' Assessor Joseph Adamo said. Though village officials blamed assessment quirks, some residents said part of the hike is to cover more than $500,000 in legal fees in an ongoing legal battle with The Chabad of the Beaches, a Jewish organization claiming the village discriminated against it. 'I wouldn't mind paying more taxes if they would fix the damn boardwalk or do something about the roads that have been a mess since Hurricane Sandy. It's really not fair, the mayor and the trustees, they're the ones who should be paying out of their pockets for the lawsuit — not taxpayers, we shouldn't be footing the bill for their antisemitism,' said one resident, who asked not to be identified in fear of retaliation from the mayor. The Chabad of the Beaches purchased a former Capital One bank in November 2021 for $950,000 to offer religious services and programming for the broader Jewish community in Atlantic Beach. But when village leaders learned of the plan, they quickly moved to block it by announcing they'd seize the site through eminent domain — the government process of taking over private property for public use. The village has largely been on the losing end of court decisions after it announced it would it to build a village-run community center for lifeguard operations at the site. First Liberty, a legal organization representing The Chabad, railed against the village government. 'It's time for Village officials to stop targeting Chabad of the Beaches and leave this community alone so they can worship in peace,' First Liberty said in a statement. Residents are planning to attend the next board of trustees meeting to demand answers and accountability.
New York Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Long Island village walloped by insane 87% property tax hike as locals blame office goof
A Long Island suburb voted to wallop homeowners with a 87% property tax hike— with local officials saying the insane increase was necessary because of a years-long administrative goof. Atlantic Beach's village board of trustees told residents the big number was needed because of how taxes were assessed by the county in recent decades but officials refused to give The Post further information or answer any questions. The Nassau County assessor said it was the village government that was improperly billing commercial properties. Advertisement Atlantic Beach voted to wallop homeowners with a 87% property tax hike. littleny – 'Nassau County is not responsible for the Village of Atlantic Beach budget or tax levy, nor do we calculate, bill, collect or distribute village taxes,' Assessor Joseph Adamo said. Though village officials blamed assessment quirks, some residents said part of the hike is to cover more than $500,000 in legal fees in an ongoing legal battle with The Chabad of the Beaches, a Jewish organization claiming the village discriminated against it. Advertisement 'I wouldn't mind paying more taxes if they would fix the damn boardwalk or do something about the roads that have been a mess since Hurricane Sandy. It's really not fair, the mayor and the trustees, they're the ones who should be paying out of their pockets for the lawsuit — not taxpayers, we shouldn't be footing the bill for their antisemitism,' said one resident, who asked not to be identified in fear of retaliation from the mayor. The Chabad of the Beaches purchased a former Capital One bank in November 2021 for $950,000 to offer religious services and programming for the broader Jewish community in Atlantic Beach. The Long Island suburb's board of trustees told residents the increase was needed, and when contacted by The Post, refused to answer questions regarding the tax hike. Village of Atlantic Beach But when village leaders learned of the plan, they quickly moved to block it by announcing they'd seize the site through eminent domain — the government process of taking over private property for public use. Advertisement The village has largely been on the losing end of court decisions after it announced it would it to build a village-run community center for lifeguard operations at the site. First Liberty, a legal organization representing The Chabad, railed against the village government. 'It's time for Village officials to stop targeting Chabad of the Beaches and leave this community alone so they can worship in peace,' First Liberty said in a statement. Residents are planning to attend the next board of trustees meeting to demand answers and accountability.
New York Post
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
School retracts telling students they can't sing worship songs at talent show
A Michigan elementary school has backed down after initially telling two Christian students they couldn't perform worship songs at an upcoming school talent show. 'Upon review, it was determined that school staff were unfamiliar with the legal guidelines concerning religious expression in a public school setting,' Allegan Public Schools Superintendent James Antoine wrote in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. 'Religious songs have been, and will continue to be, allowed at school events like talent shows.' According to legal group First Liberty Institute, two students at West Ward Elementary School, who are siblings, were told by school officials on Tuesday that they could not perform their chosen songs, 'That's Who I Praise' by Brandon Lake, and 'Up and Up' by Colton Dixon, because the lyrics were too religious. West Ward teacher Penny Bishop reportedly told the students' mother that one song was too 'Christian-based' and would violate the separation of church and state. The school principal, Molly Carl, also said the song could cause problems because 'there's some very clear language about worshiping God' and she raised issue with Lake's lyrics that mentioned no longer being 'slaves,' in reference to the Israelites leaving Egypt in the biblical account from the book of Exodus. 3 Two students at West Ward Elementary School, who are siblings, were told by school officials that they could not perform their chosen songs because the lyrics were too religious. Google Maps Carl also reportedly confronted one of the students about her song choice after a meeting with her parent, telling the student that 'not everyone believes in God.' According to First Liberty, Carl approved the songs ahead of auditions on Thursday but told one student that his song would need to be 'adjustable' to a more 'acceptable option' if he chose to perform it at the May 23 talent show. The legal group sent a letter to the elementary school on Wednesday warning them they could be violating the students' First Amendment rights. 3 One of the songs selected was by Brandon Lake. Getty Images for Stagecoach First Liberty asked the school to assure them by 3:00 p.m. on Friday that both students, who are brother and sister, would be able to participate in the talent show 'on an equal basis with their classmates using their chosen songs.' The school responded on Thursday by assuring the legal group that students would be allowed to choose songs with religious lyrics for the talent show. School staff had been 'unfamiliar' with the legal protections for religious expression in public schools, the district said. 'To clarify: students are permitted to perform songs of their choice, including those with religious content, provided the material complies with the student code of conduct – particularly regarding language and theme,' the Allegan Public Schools statement read. 'We are pleased to report that this matter was resolved quickly. The student was given the opportunity to audition and will be performing in the upcoming talent show.' 3 The school responded by assuring the legal group that students would be allowed to choose songs with religious lyrics for the talent show and had been 'unfamiliar' with the legal protections for religious expression in public schools. Pcess609 – 'We are also reviewing our internal communication processes to ensure that similar matters are appropriately reviewed before decisions are communicated to students or families. We regret any confusion or frustration this situation may have caused and remain committed to supporting our students' diverse talents,' the statement continued. First Liberty counsel Kayla Toney said they were 'grateful' for the school's quick response to their letter that recognized the students' religious rights. The legal group recommended the school complete a staff training program that helps public schools learn to 'protect and promote religious freedom for all students.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elementary school backs down after telling Christian students they couldn't sing worship songs at talent show
A Michigan elementary school has backed down after initially telling two Christian students they couldn't perform worship songs at an upcoming school talent show. "Upon review, it was determined that school staff were unfamiliar with the legal guidelines concerning religious expression in a public school setting," Allegan Public Schools Superintendent James Antoine wrote in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. "Religious songs have been, and will continue to be, allowed at school events like talent shows." According to legal group First Liberty Institute, two students at West Ward Elementary School, who are siblings, were told by school officials on Tuesday that they could not perform their chosen songs, "That's Who I Praise" by Brandon Lake, and "Up and Up" by Colton Dixon, because the lyrics were too religious. West Ward teacher Penny Bishop reportedly told the students' mother that one song was too "Christian-based" and would violate the separation of church and state. The school principal, Molly Carl, also said the song could cause problems because "there's some very clear language about worshiping God" and she raised issue with Lake's lyrics that mentioned no longer being "slaves," in reference to the Israelites leaving Egypt in the biblical account from the book of Exodus. Christian Family Says School District Won't Allow Daughter To Graduate Over Mandatory Lgbtq Health Class Carl also reportedly confronted one of the students about her song choice after a meeting with her parent, telling the student that "not everyone believes in God." Read On The Fox News App According to First Liberty, Carl approved the songs ahead of auditions on Thursday but told one student that his song would need to be "adjustable" to a more "acceptable option" if he chose to perform it at the May 23 talent show. The legal group sent a letter to the elementary school on Wednesday warning them they could be violating the students' First Amendment rights. First Liberty asked the school to assure them by 3:00 p.m. on Friday that both students, who are brother and sister, would be able to participate in the talent show "on an equal basis with their classmates using their chosen songs." 'Bad For Parents': School Choice Supporters Protest Exclusion Of Religious Charter In Supreme Court Case The school responded on Thursday by assuring the legal group that students would be allowed to choose songs with religious lyrics for the talent show. School staff had been "unfamiliar" with the legal protections for religious expression in public schools, the district said. "To clarify: students are permitted to perform songs of their choice, including those with religious content, provided the material complies with the student code of conduct – particularly regarding language and theme," the Allegan Public Schools statement read. "We are pleased to report that this matter was resolved quickly. The student was given the opportunity to audition and will be performing in the upcoming talent show." "We are also reviewing our internal communication processes to ensure that similar matters are appropriately reviewed before decisions are communicated to students or families. We regret any confusion or frustration this situation may have caused and remain committed to supporting our students' diverse talents," the statement continued. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture First Liberty counsel Kayla Toney said they were "grateful" for the school's quick response to their letter that recognized the students' religious rights. The legal group recommended the school complete a staff training program that helps public schools learn to "protect and promote religious freedom for all students."Original article source: Elementary school backs down after telling Christian students they couldn't sing worship songs at talent show
