![Antelope Valley Freethinkers President David Dionne stands in front of the offices of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. [contributed]](https://www.theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/AVF-President.jpg)
According to a lawsuit filed in federal court last week, the Antelope Valley Freethinkers and the Freedom from Religion Foundation asked district officials to include descriptions of their competitive scholarships in lists distributed to students. But for the past two years the district has refused to publish scholarship opportunities offered by the Freedom from Religion Foundation and the Antelope Valley Freethinkers, the lawsuit alleges. [Read the complaint here.]
The Freedom from Religion Foundation planned to award more than $7,500 in scholarships to high school students in 2015, according to the suit. Its essay topics were “Young, Bold and Nonbelieving: Challenges of being a nonbeliever of color” and “Why I’m Good Without God: Challenges of being a young nonbeliever.”
The Antelope Valley Freethinkers planned to offer $1,750 to students who wrote essays about “being a young freethinker in Antelope Valley,” according to the suit.
Jeff Foster, a deputy superintendent with the district, told David Dionne, the Freethinker’s president, that the wording of their essays “would upset parents,” according to the suit.
Later, district officials told both the Freethinkers and the Freedom from Religion Foundation that their scholarships would not be advertised in school lists, the suit said.
District officials, however, allowed descriptions of overtly religious scholarships in their lists, including the “Playing with Purpose Award,” which requires applicants to describe “how and when you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior,” according to Freedom from Religion officials.
The lawsuit argues that the district’s actions violated free speech laws.
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BaronSuru says
Complaint settled – http://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/26856-ffrf-lawsuit-triumphs-over-school-district-censorship
Tim Scott says
As expected. Why these petty tyrants on school boards and city councils and such have to be sued before they will follow basic law is a mystery to me.
Katie S. says
Agreed. They use the law as a cover. Now they can say to the religious groups that they had no choice but to advertise these scholarships because of the court case. In other words, our so called leaders are cowards and hide behind whatever they can, whenever they can.
Why are there any scholarships involving an organized religion being advertised is the real legal question though. I’m guessing that was one of the main reasons it was settled. Nice waste of our tax dollars once agaun.
Mremy says
What sad, is this coming from teacher aka administrator, that’s just soo misarable, so now he take from his employer and students..it’s school right to only post what they want..if getting scholarship to students,and student wants freedom people money..have them apply directly to them simple problem solved…truth is this teacher has secret agenda.. get money run,because he can talk about his non belief. I hope they find way to get rid of such negative Nates..this man and his wife are obsessed in non belief as radical Muslim ..to each it’s own.. too much of anything not good..Pray the Lord prevails, that the district are children attend does have to suffer loss brought on by employee.
Tim Scott says
Bull. A public school district is a part of the state. So no it isn’t “the school’s right” to impose criteria on religious grounds. If it is possible for you to be more incorrect here i can’t see how.
Mike Heath says
Mremy writes:
Schools don’t have rights, individuals have rights. Instead the school is the government and therefore has limited, delegated powers.
In this case the school’s power is limited by the establishment clause of the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It’s unconstitutional to promote religion at the expense of non-religious entities. Additionally, the school is obligated to defend the individual religious freedom rights of each individual student per the religious freedom clause of that same 1st Amendment. Here the school was instead actively engaged is infringing on the constitutionally protected rights of students who favor secularism.
This was clear case of government malfeasance by the school, which is why the school’s lawyer had them settle in court so quickly and pay the attorneys’ fees of the plaintiffs who successfully defended the religious freedom rights of students.
Godless Heathen says
As a devout atheist teacher who never ever never gets to discuss these things in a public school, it is simply refreshing to know there are groups who are speaking up for the rights of those of us who do not believe in the Sky Fairy. I truly accept and respect those who are religious and I support their rights to worship as they see fit, I simply would like the ability to be as open about my non-belief and be accepted for it. My children at home and my students in school are very free to make up their own minds and I am not out to influence them otherwise. However, being devout to a religion is somehow respected and accepted and being an atheist is not. Double-standard? Yep.
Matt K. says
If you respected people who are religious, you wouldn’t call what some of us believe “the Sky Fairy” or the “spaghetti monster” (another favorite name of yours).
Many people who are religious or spiritual have a more sophisticated view of the universe and a higher being than it being some sort of “fairy” or Santa Claus-like figure. We are educated and scientifically informed, yet also choose to believe that there is a greater purpose to life and to the universe.
I respect your right to believe in absolute nothingness and to believe that we are random cyborgs who came about by random events without a purpose in life. Give me the same in return, please!
rf says
The Spaghetti Monster has NOTHING to do with Christianity, it is the deity of the Pastafarians & it’s correct name is the FLYING Spaghetti Monster.
Just because you believe in chanting magic spells in church on Sundays doesn’t make Christianity more important & deserving of respect than the FSM.
Tim Scott says
So you are demonstrating the level of respect you would like for Pastafarianism or atheism to enjoy by use of your confrontational “description” of Christianity? Gotta give to get would be a lesson you could use, no matter what religion you follow.
rf says
Superstitious nonsense & ridiculous beliefs aren’t deserving of respect.
Ironic that you would mention “gotta give to get”. Let me know when religion starts to respect atheism.
Tim Scott says
I respect neither religion nor atheism…easy enough since atheism is a religion. I respect PEOPLE who follow whatever their belief system might be. That respect ends when they feel the need to be disrespectful of those who do not share their belief system…as you have, repeatedly.
I said ‘gotta give to get,’ but in truth I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt so ‘gotta be disrespectful to lose my respect’ is more accurate. You’ve certainly made the cut though. Congratulations.
Laughing says
Tim, have to disagree. Looking at definitions of religion it requires a belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power. Atheism does not fall within the parameters of that definition.
Tim Scott says
That seems like a very narrow definition, to me.
I submit that a great number of people follow religions that do not involve such a “superhuman controlling power.”
Natalie C says
Matt K. I totally agree with what you are saying. 100% and I feel that people who don’t believe can come off rude also that some believers can be too. but I think we should let our creator be our judge in both circumstances of good and evil right and wrong. yet teach in peace without conflict the way you are doing. Thanks
Star says
Tim Scott, calling atheism a religion is like calling bald a hair color!!
Tim Scott says
It is a belief system. I don’t happen to agree with it, but it is not in my job description to “correct” those who do. I think I demonstrate that living by the belief system I live by is more rewarding, generally, and if that gets God’s message across to someone, great, but it’s not my message to get across…and particularly not to FORCE across.
William says
Early man ‘believed’ there were gods in the sky too. And, you come here telling us how sophisticated and educated you are because you believe in a deity of some sort.
It has always amused me since childhood that we are encouraged/taught to believe in a Santa Claus and that part of growing up is to let it go only to be replaced by an even more amazing all powerful, all knowing ‘god’.
Consider that there is more evidence for Santa Claus who shows up at the Mall and who lap you can sit on than there is for the invisible ‘god’.
So, when do you outgrow that one, Matt K., if ever? You did give up believing in Santa Claus didn’t you?
Doesn’t being powerfully related to reality or ‘what’s so’ seem more highly evolved than believing in some story handed down to you that you never actually experienced yourself? You don’t need to ‘believe’ in gravity to know gravity.
You can come up with a million explanations for whatever you believe in but the important thing to notice is that it’s only a ‘belief’. By definition, belief doesn’t have to be real. But, try as they might, people attempt to ‘prove’ their beliefs. That’s absurd.
Have you ever noticed that the universe doesn’t care what you believe, purposeful as you assume it to be. But, that’s okay. Humans do that among other things such as having superstitions. You’re just being human.
Mr fed up says
Suing a school district thats smart, taking more money away from students, that are not getting the proper supplies they need, people need to think suing over everything doesnt accomplish nothing
A Boy Named Sue says
They probably took the cue from Rex. He’s sued several school districts, cities, and VFW Posts. He takes money away from where it’s needed and it goes into his bank account so he can pay for his beach mansion, fossil fueled private plane, Audi, heated pools, trips to Spain to run with the bulls, etc.
Vic says
They most definitely learned how to sue from Rex. He sues deep pockets like no other. Scumbag.
Laughing says
Lawsuits are not always about receiving money. SOmetimes they are about receiving rights. Of course, if the school district fights the lawsuit instead of settling then yes, it will cost money to defend.
FRex says
Rex has made millions realizing how easy it is to slap lawsuits on school districts, cities, VFW Posts, and businesses. He has taken money from where it is needed and put it in his bank account. He is special kind of disgusting.
Chakat Firepaw says
Suits like this are almost always aimed at getting injunctive relief and not damages.
The first goal in bringing the suit is to force the district to talk to their lawyers so that they will find out that it’s an open and shut case that the district will lose. Ideally, this results in the district deciding to voluntarily start abiding by the Constitution.
This will only go to court if the district decides to stamp it’s feet and engage in a futile defense of its unconstitutional actions. Even then, they will only end up paying costs at worst. The core of the desired judgment is a court order that the district start acting within the bounds of the supreme law of the land.
Vic says
That’s not how Rex rolls. He loves that cheap, easy money. What scum.
Chakat Firepaw says
However, it it the way groups like the FFRA, Americans United, the MRFF and the ACLU roll.
Jen says
School districts carry insurance to cover law suits. The money will not come from the kids education.
Tim Scott says
The insurance they carry to cover lawsuits is for the typical “my kid fell off a step and got hurt at school” personal injury stuff. The insurance carrier is going to say “Oh, you think you can violate the constitution at will and we will protect you? Guess again.” And that will be that.
The district will agree to obey the law, and the suit will be dropped.
Kevin says
If you look closely at the wording, the proposed scholarships are not just nonreligious, they are aggressively anti-religious. These were last minute submissions, so there was no time for the wording to be changed.
Compare:
“Young, Bold and Nonbelieving: Challenges of being a nonbeliever of color” and
“Why I’m Good Without God: Challenges of being a young nonbeliever.” with :
“Playing with Purpose Award,” which only in it’s description says “how and when you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior,”
The first 2 are asking for essays about “Challenges” meaning they are looking for people with stories about others not liking the essayist’s belief(or nonbelief)
The third is only asking for a positive story from the essayist.
It’s highly unlikely that a scholarship for Caucasians, with a title including “Challenges of being white” would be accepted either. Actually, they probably wouldn’t accept it with any race.
The group submitting these names is intentionally wording it that way, so that either it gets accepted as is, furthering their aggressive agenda, or gets denied, so they can sue.
The group could still promote and award their scholarships anyway, but they won’t, because that would dilute their argument that the school is denying the students the scholarship opportunity.
Nick says
Christians are told all the time to challenge the world around them to see if it’s in line with what God says. I’ve heard dozens of times in church and in Christian school that we are to challenge our religious “superiors” messages to ensure that they sync up with the word of God. The word challenge is not an issue, because that simply means that you are putting something to the test to see if it holds up.
Being anti-religion is not an issue either, really. I mean, in all due fairness, I have seen numerous responses on Facebook and even some here that would suggest that people WANT atheists to burn in Hell, which is not simply going against what Christ would want, but would be viewed as down right threatening and purposefully insulting to people who don’t believe.
The issue I am taking here is that if indeed other groups, religious or non-religious, have scholarships and whatnot, then in due fairness (and lawfulness), other groups should be affording the same opportunity.
Laughing says
Here is a great subject: “How you chose morals?”
Very often people say only religion can teach morals, but that statement is incorrect. It would be a neat paper to read and see how each student learned their morals and maybe expand the title to include display of those morals.
rf says
Most people are moral in spite of religion, not because of it.
Chakat Firepaw says
I’ll let you in on a little secret: When a scholarship is aimed at a group that is discriminated against, (and in the US, anti-atheist discrimination is downright common[1]), it is common to have “Challenges you face as an ‘X'” as an application essay topic.
That you think that such a topic about being a nonbeliever is inherently anti-religion just says that you think that being religious means that you are going to engage in bigotry against nonbelievers.
[1] An example: https://www.theavtimes.com/2016/04/19/freethinkers-suing-local-school-district
Eddy says
To each their own why try to punish someone for their beliefs or choice to not believe in something greater!! So much hate not enough love and understanding.
Nikki Condra says
Good for the Freethinkers! It is not acceptable for the schools to pick and choose which scholarships to make available for students.
Niki Cutler says
The aggressive undertones against religion is nothing less than hate. I applaud the censorship of this hateful scholarship as would any other act of hate.
rf says
Because there’s no hate & aggressive undertones in the bible? Maybe you should pick up a copy & read it cover to cover without skipping parts of it.
When people point out the faults in Christianity it’s not hate, it’s a description.
Tim Scott says
How are the “faults” of another religion your business?
Michael a otnisky says
Typical trash that live in the area.
Son of the Anti Rex says
Rex will not be happy. This is not what he has planned to build his alleged “christian community.” (I did not capitalize Christian as it pertains to those his brand of christianity which apparently is characterized by fruit such as bullying, lying, suing, manipulating, belittling, abusing, anger, malice, among others).
Eric says
This has nothing to do with being Christian; Freethinkers is an organization dedicated to s#!ting on religion; regardless of what you believe. Few strokes short of being a hate group. You don’t have to like or participate in someone’s religion, but taking a public stance against it’s existence is something else entirely. I don’t participate with any religious or atheist community, that’s my decision; I also don’t set out to ruin their times. That’s called not being an asshole, David Dionne.
Britt says
By that religious groups are a hate group for going so string against other religions and non believers. These are scholarship opportunities that were taken away from students. I grew up in a generally non religious household. I would have loved an opportunity to get a scholarship without having to write a lie abut a guy I don’t believe is my savior.
Resident says
Freethinkers is a state of mind, not an organization. If you are going to accuse those who are dedicated to s#!ting on religion or being short of a hate group, at least name an actual entity that exists in the world of Google. And I assume the name David Dionne means enough to you to call him an asshole, to everyone else it only speaks volumes about you.
“What makes a freethinker is not his beliefs but the way in which he holds them. If he holds them because his elders told him they were true when he was young, or if he holds them because if he did not he would be unhappy, his thought is not free; but if he holds them because, after careful thought he finds a balance of evidence in their favor, then his thought is free, however odd his conclusions may seem.”
Bertrand Russell 1957
John says
This is a big part of why I left the AV. Rex made it clear that secular families like my own, are not welcome in his “Christian Community”.
Matt K. says
You could’ve just moved to Palmdale or Rosamond. I’m a Pagan and a Humanist and I live in Lancaster and have never had a problem living here. Either way, don’t blame Rex for your choice to move out of the valley. That’s pretty lame.
Not My Mayor says
I have to disagree with you somewhat on this Matt K. I will be moving out of the Valley because of Rex IF he is successful in merging the unincorporated county and city of Palmdale under his control. His brand of leadership, his cronyism, his pseudo christianity, his abrasiveness, and his strange statements and policies make the wind, heat and cold here look like a tropical paradise. He a strange bird and not one I care to be around.
Matt K. says
I don’t ever see that happening, so rest easy! I have lived on both sides of the Cactus Curtain at various points in time and I want Palmdale to stay Palmdale, and Lancaster to stay stay Lancaster.
Tim Scott says
Action is required. It doesn’t take merging the cities for the corruption of Lancaster to spread to Palmdale. Lancaster Baptist is becoming a constant presence in East Palmdale, and will undoubtedly be trying to force a Rex crony onto the city council this fall.
Palmdale residents, do NOT be complacent! Send Lancaster Baptist back to Lancaster! We have no shortage of churches, and their brand of politics first, god second is not something we can afford.
Not my Mayor says
YOU may want Palmdale to stay Palmdale and Lancaster to stay Lancaster, but that is not what Rex wants. As evil and deranged as he is, he knows the future is in Palmdale. That’s why he sued them and is supporting pro Rex candidates. The people of Palmdake will reject him, but that won’t stop him from trying.
Worker says
It’s not only Lancaster Baptist. Rex is now actively working with his donors, including the IBEW, to recruit candidates in Palmdale. Follow the money, people. If it goes back to Rex and his cronies in Lancaster it is not good for Palmdale.
Ever wonder why BYD hasn’t been confronted by unions?
Follow the money.
Tim Scott says
I wouldn’t vote for anyone who will not go on the record agreeing that Parris is a bat guano crazy blight on the Antelope Valley in general and Lancaster in particular. Fortunately there will be no shortage of candidates to choose from in that regard.
Palmdalian says
That is true Tim Scott. Rex will be bankrolling many candidates in Palmdale. Avoid them at all costs.