Attorney General Alan Wilson announced on Mar. 27 that he joined Iowa and 16 other states in support of a public schoolteacher’s challenge to a district policy that prevented her from displaying a small personal crucifix in her classroom.
The case centers on Mrs. Arroyo-Castro, who decorated her classroom with various items including inspirational quotes, student artwork, and a daily schedule. While the school district permitted secular decorations, it prohibited religious displays such as the crucifix.
“Freedom of religious expression doesn’t stop when students or teachers enter a school,” Wilson said. “This school district, however, expressed open hostility toward a staff member’s religious views.” The Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment protects both speech and religious expression. However, the district court found that Arroyo-Castro’s display was part of her official duties and thus considered government speech. According to details provided by Wilson’s office, Ms. Castro placed the crucifix at waist height behind a computer so most students could not see it and used it privately for silent prayer during lunch breaks.
Wilson further stated: “The freedom to openly express deeply held religious views has been a cornerstone of American life for generations. As a man of faith and Attorney General, I will always fight to protect the religious freedom of every South Carolinian.” Attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and West Virginia also joined the filing led by Iowa.
The South Carolina Attorney General supports victims of crime through advocacy and resources to help maintain community safety according to the official website. The office operates as South Carolina’s primary legal advocate and enforcer by handling prosecutions and regulations according to its official website. Alan Wilson has served as head of this office according to its official website, which extends operations statewide according to its official website.
Additionally,the Attorney General enforces laws related to securities and consumer protection according to its official website,and collaborates with state law enforcement agencies on criminal prosecutions according to its official website.
The full amicus brief related to this case is available online.
