ACLU defends student’s right to read Bible

NASHVILLE — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Tennessee is speaking up for an elementary school student reportedly told he could not read the Bible during an after-school program funded by taxpayers.

The group often in the news for opposing attempts to promote religious activities in public schools recently sent a letter to the Cannon County REACH after-school program explaining that students have a right to read religious texts if they so choose during free-reading periods.

Thomas Castelli, ACLU-Tennessee legal director, said in a press release, “While (the First Amendment exists to protect religious freedom), that also means schools may not impose or promote religion. (But) students can engage in religious activities that they initiate, provided they do not cause a disruption or interfere with the education of other students.”