Liberty Institute announced today it is representing a longtime New Jersey teacher fired for allegedly violating two school policies involving a Bible.
President Kelly Shackelford said in the fall of 2012, teacher Walter Tutka quoted the Bible while speaking to a student who was the last one to enter the classroom, saying, "The first shall be last but the last shall be first."
The student wasn't familiar with the statement so he inquired as to its source several times from Tutka. Finally, after being asked several times, Tutka showed the pupil in his personal Bible where the quote was located.
The student during one of the several conversations told Tutka he didn't own a Bible. In response Tutka asked the student if he would like his. The student said "yes."
The Phillipsburg School Board voted to fire Tutka for allegedly violating the school's policy banning the distribution of religious literature on school grounds. A second policy requires teachers to remain neutral when discussing religious topics.
Faced with the loss of his job Tutka retained Liberty Institute to analyze his options when discussing religious topics, according to today's newsletter from the law firm which defends religious liberty in America.
"Unfortunately, we see cases like this everyday, as radical groups like the Freedom From Religious Foundation, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the ACLU are ramping up their attacks on our nation's schools in an effort to eliminate any trace of religion from public view," according to today's Liberty Institute newsletter.
Any student, teacher or school district facing this type of religious discrimination should contact Liberty Institute at 971-941-4444. or by e-mail at info@libertyinstitute.org.
Liberty Institute also requests people to pray for Walter Tutka during his current adversity. In this turbulent economy it is not easy to find a new job, even for an experienced teacher like Tutka.
Readers who want to remain updated on this important case may "like" Liberty Institute on Facebook.
Liberty Institute is a nonprofit legal group dedicated to not only defending, but also restoring religious liberty across America. People interested in helping defending constitutional rights of teachers, students, preachers and schools may contribute to Liberty Institute.
When President Kelly Shackeford addressed the Republican Women in Wichita Falls, Texas this week he said his institute is dedicated to defending and restoring religious liberty across America. He has a personal interest in restoring liberties in "our schools, for our churches and throughout the public arena."
Shackelford, who as been voted one of the top 25 attorneys in the last quarter century in Texas, said, "Liberty's vision is to reestablish religious liberty in accordance with the principles of our nation's Founders."
Liberty Institute has won 99% of its cases and never lost to the ACLU. Liberty successfully defended the Kountze Independent School District cheerleaders who placed Bible verses on their football banners. That high profile case was covered by the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times as well as national television media.
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