Top Stories

Bible verse reinstated in Stevenson yearbook
By Frank DeFrank, Macomb Daily Staff Writer May 13, 2004
The American Civil Liberties Union often angers folks when it insists, as does the U.S. Constitution, that issues of church and state remain separate.
But the organization found itself on the religious side when it represented a Stevenson High School student whose biblical message was deleted from her school yearbook.

The separation of church and state is an "important principle," but "there's also an important principle that the government shall not impede personal (expressions of) religion," said Kary Moss, executive director of the ACLU of Michigan. "What makes this case interesting is we are talking about the personal religious expression of one student."

Abbey Moler, Stevenson's 2001 valedictorian, was profiled in the yearbook along with other students, and invited to write an entry to pass along to the rest of the school. Moler submitted a Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11, which reads: "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

"My personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation of who I am, and the publication of my verse is critical in preserving student expression and First Amendment rights," Moler said.

But when the yearbook was published, Moler's message wasn't included.

"I was shocked, and it's still upsetting to me," Moler said.

She and her parents complained and were told the passage was removed because it was religious. The family researched legal options and contacted the ACLU in early 2002.

The ACLU took up the issue on Moler's behalf, and after about two years, negotiated a settlement with school district officials without going to trial.

"This was a case where a high school had created a forum for student expression, yet censored a student's speech because it was religious in nature," said Michael Steinberg, ACLU of Michigan legal director.

According to the ACLU, provisions of the settlement include:

  • The district will place a sticker that contains Moler's original entry in copies of the yearbook on file with the school;

  • Yearbook staff members have been instructed not to censor entries because they contain religious or political speech;

  • The district has and will continue to provide training to school staff on free speech and religious freedom issues;

  • The district will write a letter of regret to Moler for omitting her entry.

    School district officials declined comment.

    Moler said she neither sought nor received any monetary compensation. The issue was about being deprived of her rights, she said.

    Moler said she declined the district's offer to reimburse her for the cost of her yearbook.

    Moler attends Oakland University and plans to become a teacher. She holds no animosity toward the district. In fact, next fall she's scheduled to begin her student-teaching assignment at Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, a Utica Community school.

    "I received a wonderful education from the Utica Community Schools, and now that I'm entering the teaching profession, I wanted to do my part in maintaining the excellence of public education," Moler said.
    • ©The Macomb Daily 2004