WESTFIELD, Mass. — Six Massachusetts high school students have filed suit against their school, arguing that a prohibition on distributing religious materials violates their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression.
The six students at Westfield High School were suspended after passing out candy canes with Christian messages Dec. 19. The students had been told the day before that they could not distribute materials that are not school-related.
The messages includes a prayer for salvation and explained that the J-shape of the candy stands for Jesus and that the red stripes symbolize his blood, which Christians believe was shed for human salvation.
The students want their suspensions rescinded, the school’s actions declared unconstitutional and the ability to distribute materials while their suit is pending. The six students are members of the school’s Bible Club and are represented by the Florida-based Liberty Counsel.
The students were ordered on Jan. 2 to serve one day of in-school suspension. Schools Superintendent Thomas McDowell said the case had nothing to do with religion but rather in following school policy.
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