As the preeminent defender of First Amendment Rights in Oklahoma, the ACLU of Oklahoma has called on Rep. John Bennett to release the names of these schools he referred to in his testimony.

“If there are schools punishing or intimidating students because of their Constitutionally protected religious beliefs, we would like to know about it so we can investigate and, if necessary, defend the rights of those students,” said Ryan Kiesel, Executive Director of the ACLU of Oklahoma. “You would think someone who has taken an oath to defend the Constitution would not conceal that information,” Kiesel continued.

Despite repeated calls to his office requesting that the schools be identified, Rep. Bennett has, to date, not disclosed the names of any schools to the ACLU of Oklahoma.

“I’m sure if Rep. Bennett witnessed someone shoplifting, he would report that to the proper authorities. Surely Rep. Bennett views a potential violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States as at least as wrong as petty theft,” said Kiesel.

The ACLU of Oklahoma is urging Oklahomans to call and email Rep. Bennett to demand that he not cover up potential violations of students’ rights.

You can reach Rep. John Bennett’s office (405) 557-7315, or by emailing john.bennett@okhouse.gov.

Learn more about the ACLU's work to protect public school students’ religious freedom by curbing the practice of school-sponsored religion, and ensuring that students may freely express and exercise their faith here: http://www.aclu.org/religion-belief/religion-and-schools.

 

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