Religious schools sue to stop Michigan coronavirus order
David Eggert | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 7 months AGO
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Nonpublic schools sued Monday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration extended a coronavirus order that prevents in-person instruction at high schools, saying it violates the First Amendment right to practice religion.
The federal lawsuit, filed in Michigan's Western District, was brought by a group representing more than 400 nonpublic schools across the state, as well as three Catholic high schools and 11 parents. The state health department lengthened the restriction by 12 days, through Dec. 20. It took effect Nov. 18 and also applies to public high schools and all colleges and universities.
The plaintiffs include Lansing Catholic High School, Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor and Everest Collegiate Academy in Clarkston. They said they can safely provide face-to-face learning and sought an injunction to block enforcement of the order.
“The state's latest order inhibits the faith formation of students and violates their constitutional right to practice religion while leaving open secular businesses where transmission of COVID-19 is more likely to occur,” said Brian Broderick, executive director of the Michigan Association of Nonpublic Schools.
A spokeswoman said Whitmer's office does not comment on pending litigation. An email seeking comment was sent to the state Department of Health and Human Services late Monday.
MORE IMPORTED STORIES
Religious high schools sue to reopen for in-person classes
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 4 years, 7 months ago
Whitmer says she has authority to do 2nd stay-home order
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 4 years, 7 months ago
Mandatory virus testing of teen athletes challenged in court
Columbia Basin Herald | Updated 4 years, 3 months ago
ARTICLES BY DAVID EGGERT
Judge blocks Western Michigan's vaccine mandate for athletes
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Western Michigan University from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement against four female soccer players, ruling they are likely to prevail on claims it violates their constitutional religious rights.
Athletes, worker sue over vaccine rules at Michigan colleges
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Four female soccer players at Western Michigan University challenged the school's COVID-19 vaccine requirement for athletes Monday, saying it violates their Christian beliefs.
Judge blocks Western Michigan's vaccine mandate for athletes
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Western Michigan University from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement against four female soccer players, ruling they are likely to prevail on claims it violates their constitutional religious rights.