An elementary school in Michigan has reversed course after receiving criticism for banning Christian songs from being performed at its talent show. First Liberty Institute (FLI) stated that two students were informed by West Ward Elementary School in Allegan, Michigan that they would be unable to perform songs by Christian artists Brandon Lake and Colton Dixon. The students in question are in second and fifth grade and, according to a letter from FLI, their parents were told by an educator identified as Ms. Penny Bishop that the younger student’s (identified as L.C.) chosen song was too “Christian-based” and violated the separation of church and state. The school’s principal, Molly Carl, confirmed the song, “That’s Who I Praise” by Brandon Lake, was “problematic” and took issue with the use of the word “slave.” L.C. was then going to be allowed to practice the song for auditions when Bishop approached the second student, V.C., L.C.’s sibling, about her song choice and stated L.C.’s song choice was controversial because “not everyone believes in God.” FLI stated only L.C.’s song received special attention, and that the religious nature of the song seemed to be the only objection.

FLI referred the school to the 2022 Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District and stated the school was violating the Free Exercise Clause which prohibits officials from “treat[ing] any comparable secular activity more favorably than religious exercise.” It also accused the school of censorship, noting that while L.C. was going to be allowed to practice his song for auditions, he was told he would have to be “adjustable” and might have to find a more appropriate option for the talent show.

Within 24 hours of sending the letter, the school had reversed its course. Allegan Public School District Superintendent James Antoine told CBN News that staff had been “remedied” of their misunderstanding of religious expression. “Upon review, it was determined that school staff were unfamiliar with the legal guidelines concerning religious expression in a public school setting. To clarify: students are permitted to perform songs of their choice, including those with religious content, provided the material complies with the student code of conduct — particularly regarding language and theme,” Antoine said in a statement. “Religious songs have been, and will continue to be, allowed at school events like talent shows.” Kayla Toney, counsel for FLI, stated she was pleased with the result. She also stated it was important for people to speak up when they feel their rights are being violated. “[L.C.] probably just wouldn’t have been allowed to participate at all, or he would have been pressured and forced to change his song and to choose different lyrics that the principal approved,” Toney said. “That’s wrong, that’s unconstitutional, and we’re so glad that didn’t happen.”