wfn.org | Kirkpatrick Files Amicus Brief in Utah First Amendment Case

[PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org]

22-August-1996 
 
 
96303        Kirkpatrick Files Amicus Brief in Utah  
                       First Amendment Case 
 
                      by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--On August 21, newly elected stated clerk the Rev. Clifton 
Kirkpatrick filed his first amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief, in 
a First Amendment case in Utah.  The case is before the United States Court 
of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. 
 
     The case, "Rachel Bauchman v. West High School" of Salt Lake City, 
involves a choir teacher who proselytized his religious belief in the 
classroom.  Bauchman, a student at West High School, alleged that the 
teacher also encouraged and participated in the ostracism of her because 
she is an adherent of the Jewish faith. 
 
     Kirkpatrick's brief states that the school district's support of the 
teacher is a violation of the First Amendment's prohibition of any state 
entity from either supporting or discouraging any particular religious 
faith or sect.  The brief took no position on the validity of any person's 
religious beliefs, only on the idea that the state ought not support or 
harm any religious faith. 

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