Summary
Christina Hudak is a devout Christian and pro-life advocate. When she learned about the upcoming Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity, a national event where students remain silent at school on behalf of the millions of infants silenced by abortion each year, she thought it was the perfect opportunity to share a pro-life message with her classmates. This message was especially important given that the county her school was located in had the highest teen pregnancy rate in the state of New Jersey. But Christina was prohibited from participating in the event by distributing pro-life literature during non-instructional times and wearing a red arm band with the word “LIFE” written on it. School officials told the student that nothing “religious” is allowed in public schools.
Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, Christina filed a lawsuit challenging the censorship of her pro-life speech. The United States District Court for the District of New Jersey ruled for Christina. The court required the school district to allow Christina to wear a pro-life armband and distribute pro-life flyers.
Building upon victories like this, Alliance Defending Freedom continues to fight for students such as Christina who are told that their pro-life and religious expression is not welcome inside the schoolhouse gates.
What's at stake
The freedom of students to share their pro-life beliefs at school without fear of censorship or punishment.
Students being told that they can't distribute pro-life materials and information to their friends and classmates at school.
Our role in this case
Alliance Defending Freedom represented Christina in the defense of her rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Case Documents
Case Profiles
