Federal judge orders equal access for Christian clubs in Oakland schools

In the United States, a federal judge ruled in favor of the Child Evangelism Fellowship of NorCal, Inc. (CEF) on August 15, 2025, ordering the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to cease its discriminatory practices against Good News Clubs, which provide Christian after-school programs. This decision stemmed from a lawsuit claiming that OUSD had wrongfully denied access to its facilities. The judge issued a preliminary injunction that mandates the district to provide CEF with the same access to school facilities that secular groups already enjoy, which led to allegations of viewpoint discrimination against the district. OUSD had previously denied the Good News Clubs access to four campuses, citing various reasons, including limited facility space and concerns about endorsing evangelism on campus. Judge Gilliam found that these justifications were unconstitutional, emphasizing that the Good News Clubs are voluntary and not school-sponsored, thus deserving equal treatment. The ruling also referenced existing case law, including the Supreme Court decision in Good News Club v. Milford Central School, which established that public schools cannot discriminate against religious groups when they permit secular organizations to use their facilities. This ruling aligns with a broader trend in courts favoring religious rights and freedom of speech, reinforcing that public venues should remain accessible to all viewpoints. Liberty Counsel, representing CEF, is now seeking a permanent injunction to ensure that Good News Clubs have continued access to the facilities in the Oakland school district. Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, stated that the ruling represents a significant victory for religious organizations and their supporters in the education system. As this case unfolds, the OUSD has publicly expressed its commitment to inclusive practices. An OUSD spokesperson reiterated that the district supports equal rights of all groups and will facilitate appropriate access while adhering to rental policies for facilities. The conflict highlights ongoing tensions between secular and religious organizations in public settings and reflects wider societal debates on religious freedom and discrimination in educational contexts.