PJI Takes Church Preschool Case to U.S. Supreme Court, Challenging California Laws That Condition Licensing on Waiver of Constitutional Rights

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to

review a case brought by three Southern California churches seeking to open Christian

preschools under a regulatory system that conditions licensure on the surrender of fundamental

constitutional rights.

The case, Foothills Christian Ministries v. Bonta, arises from San Diego County, where three

churches challenge the California Child Day Care Actand its accompanying regulatory scheme

administered by the California Department of Social Services.

Under current California law, parochial preschools must accept restrictions that directly limit

their religious mission. Among other requirements, religious preschools may not require

participation in religious activities or attendance at religious services. They must post signage

informing families that they may bring in an outside spiritual advisor, even when that advisor

conflicts with the school's faith commitments.

The regulatory scheme also authorizes unannounced inspections without a warrant, probable

cause, or prior notice. State investigators may seize records and question employees without

advising them of their rights, even though such inquiries may later be referred for criminal

prosecution.

"These churches are asking for the constitutional protections every American institution is

entitled to receive," said Kevin Snider, lead attorney for the churches. "The government should

not be permitted to condition a license on the waiver of rights guaranteed by the Firstand Fourth

Amendments. Religious institutions must be free to carry out their mission within the bounds of

the Constitution."

After adverse rulings in the lower courts, PJI has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Courtto review

the case, asserting that California's licensing requirements violate the Free Exercise Clause, the

Free Speech Clause, and the Fourth Amendment.

PJI Founder and President Brad Dacus said the case presents an important opportunity for the

Court to reaffirm long standing constitutional principles.

"These churches seek the same constitutional protections Americans take for granted," said

Kevin Snider, lead attorney for the churches. "By entangling parochial schools in a web of

unconstitutional regulations, the government seriously interferes with the spiritual formation of

children."The three churches involved seek to open Christian preschools that integrate faith into daily

instruction and spiritual formation, consistent with their sincerely held beliefs.

Pacific Justice Institute is a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to the defense of religious

freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.

For more information about this case or Pacific Justice Institute, visit

www.pacificjustice.org.

If your preschool's constitutional rights are being violated, contact Pacific Justice Institute

immediately by completing a GET HELP FORM.

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