Arroyo-Castro v. Gasper
- Religion
- Speech
- Legal Filings
FSU Law’s First Amendment Clinic continues its mission to defend all five first amendment freedoms in its amicus brief, filed in a federal appeals court on behalf of the American Hindu Jewish Congress and the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI), in support of public-school teacher Mrs. Marisol Arroyo-Castro, in the case Arroyo-Castro v. Gasper.
This case centers around a small crucifix placed discreetly beside Ms. Castro’s desk. A devout Catholic, Ms. Castro kept the crucifix for personal prayer between classes, as a reminder of her grandmother, and as an inspiration during stressful moments. It was not part of any lesson. This passive, personal display reflects the private faith of a private individual who happens to work for the government—not speech by the government itself, as the school district claimed.