Community Center 

May 12, 2003

Mathew D. Staver

Community Center Which Refused To Allow Community Room 
To Be Used For 9/11 Remembrance Service Rescinds Its Policy Following Law Suit

Nevada, Missouri - After John Oster, President of Liberty Landing, filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Nevada, Missouri, claiming that the City violated the First Amendment right to free speech when it denied the organization's application to use the Community Room for a 9/11 remembrance service, the City agreed to rescind it policy. Mr. Oster is represented by Attorney Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel.

Liberty Landing is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to educate the public about the foundations of American liberty, including the discussion of foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and the religious and Christian views of the Founding Fathers. Last year Mr. Oster wanted to hold a 9/11 remembrance service where the Nevada community could come together to honor those who died on September 11. As part of the remembrance service, Mr. Oster planned to dress up like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. While in costume he would speak their views about the founding of America and the basis for religious freedom. These activities were described in the application. The application also stated that part of the meeting would include Bible reading and prayer.

Mr. Oster's application to use the Community Room was rejected. In a letter, the City explained, "the Parks and Recreation Board has a longstanding policy that the Community Center may not be used for religious or political persuasion." The City's Policy states, "The Nevada Community Center facility shall not be used for purposes of . religious services."

Liberty Counsel (which is not affiliated with Liberty Landing) filed suit in federal court arguing that the City's policy was unconstitutional. Following the suit, the City agreed to rescind the policy. The settlement has now been approved by the Kansas federal court located in Topeka.

Staver said, "I am pleased with the settlement. Although many of the residents of Nevada are deeply religious and were in favor of allowing religious usage of the Community Room, some of the governing officials insisted upon enforcing this policy out of a mistaken understanding of church and state. Sometimes discrimination against Christian viewpoints derives from hostile motives. Here, the discrimination arose out of ignorance of the First Amendment. Either way, discrimination against Christian viewpoints is wrong."

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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW UPDATE

I just returned from Lynchburg, Virginia where I attended my first meeting of the Liberty University Board of Trustees. On Friday I was officially installed as Chairman of the Law School Steering Committee. The following day the Trustees had the pleasure of attending graduation where 1,628 students received their diplomas. So far the University has received over 11,000 applications for the Fall freshman class. The University's enrollment is exploding. Recruitment for the entering law school class in August 2004 is now set to begin. With Dr. Falwell's success in recruiting for the undergraduate and graduate programs, we are looking forward to moving foward with the law school's inaugural class. If you or someone you know wants enroll in the School of Law and impact American law and culture, call (434) 582-2800 to find out how you can join us in August 2004.

Mathew D. Staver, Esq.
Liberty Counsel
http://www.lc.org.

An Ally of the Alliance Defense Fund