A high school senior at Grand Island High School, near Buffalo, initially faced rejection when she submitted designs for her senior parking space featuring crosses and Bible verses. The school approved only her non-religious submission, rejecting two other submissions citing religious content.
The student, Sabrina Steffans, sought legal help from First Liberty Institute, which sent a demand letter reminding the school of her First Amendment right to private religious expression on school property. Within days, the district reversed its stance and allowed her original design.
First Liberty’s senior counsel, Keisha Russell, praised the outcome: “The First Amendment protects students’ private expressions of faith in public schools.” She said the school’s reversal underscores that students may freely express their faith when adhering to school-sponsored expression spaces.
School Superintendent Brian Graham stated the district respects inclusive principles and constitutional rights. Though the school maintains it did not violate student rights, it opted to allow the design after legal counsel. Graham noted the board would review program guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency moving forward.
