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Suit Challenging "40 Developmental Assets" Program Is Settled

By Howard M. Friedman

Last October, a federal district court rejected an Establishment Clause challenge to the Cherry Creek, Colorado School District's "40 Developmental Assets" program. (See prior posting.) In a suit brought by Freedom from Religion Foundation, plaintiffs objected to one of the 40 positive behaviors that parents were encouraged to build in their children-- encouraging children to spend one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution. Subsequently FFRF filed a new complaint, this time linking the 40 Developmental Assets to a Lutheran, scripture-based program. Yesterday FFRF announced that the lawsuit has been settled. (Full text of settlement agreement.) "Asset 19" in the program will be changed to read: "Intergenerational Activities ? Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities with civic, social, governmental, scientific, educational, charitable, faith based or secular (non-religious) organizations."

Full post as published by Religion Clause on September 01, 2009 (boomark / email).