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"The
ACLU of Virginia filed papers in court earlier this week opposing the issuance
of government-sponsored bonds for construction of new buildings at a private
Christian school located in Albemarle County. The legal action, filed in
Albemarle County Circuit Court on behalf of three county taxpayers, claims
that because The Covenant School plans to use the new buildings for religious
activities, government support for their construction violates the constitutional
mandate for separation of church and state" (ACLU Press Release,
January 26, 2000).
"The ACLU's lawsuit stems from a December 9, 1999 meeting of
the Albemarle County Industrial Authority at which the construction bonds
were authorized, subject to validation by the Circuit Court. Under state
law, taxpayers who are concerned that the issuance of such bonds may not
be constitutional have a right to intervene as defendants in the case"
(ACLU Press Release, January 26, 2000).
"Founded in 1985, The Covenant School describes itself as 'an
independent Christian day school offering education in kindergarten through
grade twelve.' Teachers are 'hired because of their Christian commitment'
and its motto is 'Academic excellence under the sovereignty of God.' Bonds
are being sought for the construction of a new upper school (seventh through
twelfth grades) consisting of a campus, gym and playing field" (ACLU
Press Release, January 26, 2000).
"'This legal action is not a comment on the quality of education
at The Covenant School, nor is it intended to interfere in any way with
its religious mission, which is protected by the Constitution,' said Kent
Willis, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia. 'Our concern is that
Albemarle County will be providing government support for a religious purpose
if it certifies these bonds'" (ACLU Press Release, January 26, 2000).
"'Government involvement in religion is the greatest threat
to religious freedom we know,' added Willis. 'The authors of the Bill of
Rights knew that, and it is by following their advice for the past two hundred
years that we have become the most religiously free and diverse nation in
the world'" (ACLU Press Release, January 26, 2000).
"A hearing is scheduled for February 28 in Albemarle County
Circuit Court. The three Albemarle County taxpayers [Jack Marshall, Dan
Mohler, and Mary Ellen Sikes] are represented by Rebecca Glenberg, Esq.,
legal director of the ACLU of Virginia" (ACLU Press Release, January
26, 2000).
Contact: Kent Willis, executive director,
Rebecca Glenberg, legal director
ACLU of Virginia , (804) 644-8080
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