[NYTr] Colorado School District Illegally Urges Church-going; FFRF Sues

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

Rocky Mountain News - Oct 16, 2007
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5724207,00.html

Suit: Cherry Creek Schools illegally urging churchgoing

By Sara Burnett, Rocky Mountain News

The Freedom from Religion Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit
against Cherry Creek Schools, saying a project aimed at helping
students reach their full potential illegally encourages going to
church.

The complaint, filed on behalf of two parents who have children in
Cherry Creek schools, accuses the district of violating laws regarding
the separation of church and state.

Tustin Amole, spokeswoman for the district, said today the district is
confident the project is not illegal because it does not mandate
participation in any religious activity.

Known as the 40 Developmental Assets, the project is promoted to
families as a way to help students grow into "responsible, confident
and healthy young people," according to a newsletter sent to parents.

The document says research has shown students with 30 or more of the
assets are more likely to exhibit positive behavior.

Among the assets is having family support, doing at least one hour of
homework each day and telling the truth, "even when it's not easy."

Recommendation number 19 -- which prompted the lawsuit -- is "religious
community." It suggests young people spend one or more hours each week
in activities at a religious institution.

The project, which was created by a private research group and is used
nationally, has been in the Cherry Creek district for 18 years, Amole
said.

The complaint asks the court to order the district to stop endorsing
Developmental Asset 19. It does not specifically seek damages, but asks
for any other relief the court deems proper.