New York High School Students Claim Christian Club was Denied

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Nov 18, 2014

New York High School Students Claim Christian Club was Denied

Students at a New York High school are claiming that their Christian club was denied by administration. Liz Loverde, a sophomore at Wantagh High School said that she had the idea to form “Dare to Believe” as an outlet for students to escape the trials of high school. 

"I want to help kids, I see that my school is filled with bullies and depression and it's sad to just walk in it every day, and I found my answer through Christianity and so I just want to share that," Loverde said. 

The 16-year-old student says that the school administration denied the club’s status because it was faith-based and not permitted on campus. 

Jeremy Dys of the Liberty Institute is representing Loverde and other Christian students of Dare to Believe. Dys said Loverde attained the proper application for the club and the school principal pushed it back saying, 'Oh this is about the Christian club, you can't have the Christian club on campus.’ 

"All students have a right to be able to meet on campus, and they can't be denied simply because of their faith," Dys said.

Wantagh High School maintains that it did not reject the club’s formation. 

A statement from the school district said, "As it is required with all student clubs, proper protocol and procedures must be followed and implemented before the club can be formally recognized. The district is currently reviewing this request.” 

Publication date: November 18, 2014



New York High School Students Claim Christian Club was Denied