400 Non-Public Schools Are Suing Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Over Shutdown Rules

Brittany M. Hughes | December 9, 2020
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Hundreds of private high schools are now suing Michigan Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for keeping schools closed due to the COVID pandemic.

In a federal lawsuit filed this week, more than 400 non-public schools said they can safely provide in-person education for their students, pushing back against Whitmer’s directive that all high schools must remain closed for in-person learning amid a rise in COVID cases. The coalition of schools argues that restricting their right to meet for in-person classes while allowing certain businesses to remain open is a violation of students' and families' religious freedom.

“The state’s latest order inhibits the faith formation of students and violates their constitutional right to practice religion while leaving open secular businesses where transmission of COVID-19 is more likely to occur,” said Brian Broderick, executive director of the Michigan Association of Nonpublic Schools.

Whitmer’s directives, which she just extended an additional 12 days due to the spike in cases, also ban indoor dining and limit the number of people permitted even at private gatherings.

 

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