When did Christians become the bad guys?
A high school in blue-state New York has been forced to backtrack after trying to censor a Christian student’s faith-based artwork — and only reversed course when hit with the threat of legal action.
Christian Student Blocked From Expressing Faith
At Grand Island High School near Buffalo, seniors can pay $50 to design their parking spots with “nice artwork” meant to show school spirit. But when Sabrina Steffans, a rising senior, submitted her designs featuring Bible verses and crosses, officials immediately rejected them.
“I handed in three drawings. The first was based on Salvation Mountain with Scripture and crosses. They flat-out said no — too religious,” Steffans told CBN. “The only one they would approve was the version stripped of all faith.”
Parents and community members were stunned, calling it another example of Christianity being silenced in America’s public schools.
First Liberty Steps In
Refusing to compromise her beliefs, Steffans sought help from First Liberty Institute, a top law firm defending religious freedom. Attorneys quickly reminded school officials that the First Amendment protects students’ rights to free religious expression.
Within days, the district caved and allowed Steffans to move forward with her original design.
“The Constitution is clear — students have the right to express their faith,” said Keisha Russell, senior counsel at First Liberty. “Schools cannot discriminate against Christian students while allowing other messages.”
Superintendent Backtracks Under Pressure
Grand Island Superintendent Brian Graham denied that the district violated rights but admitted that, after legal consultation, the school would permit the Christian design. He also said the district would review its parking space program in the future.
Critics argue this case shows how Christian values are increasingly under attack in blue states, where schools appear quick to censor anything tied to faith.
Faith and Freedom at Risk
For many parents, this incident is just the latest reminder that religious liberty is under siege in public education. While other forms of expression are celebrated, students who express traditional Christian values often face resistance.
Supporters say this victory proves that pushing back matters — and that parents and students must remain vigilant to defend their rights.
