Update: Victory for Florida Student Who Refused to Stomp on Jesus’ Name

 

Liberty Institute is declaring victory on behalf of our client, Ryan Rotela.

Late yesterday afternoon, Liberty Institute Director of Litigation Hiram Sasser attended a closed-door meeting with Ryan and university officials. In addition to apologizing on the university’s website, the officials apologized in person, agreed not to take any further action against Ryan, will expunge all academic charges from his student records, and will allow him to take the course under the supervision of an alternate professor.

The Florida Atlantic University student refused to take part in a “lesson” that involved writing the name “Jesus” on a piece of paper, putting the paper on the floor, and stomping on it.

Ryan was brought up on academic charges and suspended from class out of retaliation for reporting the incident to university authorities.

“We are thankful that the University has conceded and done the right thing, so that our client can continue pursuing his education without distraction,” said Sasser. Decades ago, the Supreme Court ruled that students do not leave their First Amendment rights at the schoolhouse gate…that is still true today.”

Thank you for your prayers and generous financial support. It is because of you that we were able to act so quickly and defend Ryan’s religious freedoms. Please, consider a gift today, to help us continue to defend students like Ryan across the country who are facing religious hostility. Every gift is critical in our continued effort to defend and restore religious freedom in America.