North Dakota Schools Reverse Action; Will Recognize Pro-Life Student Groups

Matthew 19:18 ESV “And Jesus said, “You shall not murder…”

Editor’s Note: Throughout the scriptures, God has made it clear that shedding innocent blood is murder, and no murderer will enter heaven. In addition to the death of the unborn baby, abortion also substantially harms the women and many times, families, husbands, boyfriends and a whole sphere of relationships connected to and surrounding each abortion. Often, lifelong guilt and other social, relational, spiritual and even physical problems follow the murder of innocent babes in the womb. Pastor Jim Bakker believes that this issue, abortion, may be the single most significant issue that brings God’s judgment on this nation more than any other.

Good news for students of two North Dakota school districts; they will be able to join and operate pro-life groups this fall.

Fargo North High School and Davies High School, both in the Fargo Public School District Number 1, will allow and formally recognize Students For Life Club groups.

The school district initially refused the clubs, although they told the Christian Post in a statement it had nothing to do with content but rather incomplete paperwork.

“Administration at Davies High School has not received an application for students to form a Davies Teens for Life group at Davies High School. Students did approach administration in September 2014 regarding the possibility of starting the club,” read the statement.

“In February, administration at North High School received an incomplete application for students to form a Spartans for Life group. … Included in the ‘potential advisor of the club’ area of the application were names of two staff members that serve as paraprofessionals at North High School. Paraprofessionals cannot serve as coaches or advisors of student groups due to the Fair Labor Standards Act.”

However, the school’s claim was undermined with an assistant principal was found to have sent emails to other faculty saying the students could be connected with a church and that because of their connection to a church they couldn’t meet.

The Thomas More Society stepped in to help the students.

“Public schools are required by law to treat all student groups equally,” said Jocelyn Floyd, associate counsel of Thomas More Society, in a statement.

“Fargo North and Davies High Schools are treating pro-life students as second class citizens, forcing them to abide by a policy that was designed to protect students from exploitation by businesses, not to censor the students’ own free speech.”

Students expressed joy at the news they will be able to meet next school year.

“We are thankful to the attorneys at Thomas More Society and to Students for Life of America for supporting all our efforts,” said Fargo North sophomore Brigid O’Keefe.  “We look forward to educating our fellow students on the beauty of life at all stages and offering assistance to those in need in our community.”

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