Allowing chaplains’ offices in school will open our students to religious coercion and runs counter to our Constitutional principles. We urge lawmakers to reject this bill and seek better ways to serve public school students that do not involve unconstitutional, school-sponsored religion.

America is not a theocracy and North Dakota’s public schools shouldn’t be used to religiously indoctrinate or convert students. House Bill 1145 is unconstitutional and an affront to the American ideals of religious liberty.

All students, regardless of their faith, should feel safe and welcome in our public schools. Displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms and other school spaces would convey the opposite message.

The ACLU of North Dakota commends the decision to withdraw House Bill 1538 from further consideration.

The ACLU of North Dakota has issued a letter to Paul Keeney, Superintendent of the Linton Public Schools to remind the district of their obligations, raise awareness on the issue, and provide assistance in resolving and avoiding future religious freedom violations.