January 1, Judge Upholds Equal Access for Christian Clubs

Wyatt’s Take

• Federal judge defends faith groups’ rights in public schools
• Oakland schools must open doors to Christian after-school clubs
• Big win for families demanding fair treatment in education

A federal judge ruled that the Oakland Unified School District can’t keep Christian after-school clubs off their campuses any longer. The Good News Clubs, run by Child Evangelism Fellowship, fought for two years after the district blocked them from four schools.

On August 15, 2025, Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. issued an order forcing the district to treat these Bible-based clubs like any other student group. The judge said shutting out Christian programs just because of their faith was unconstitutional and trampled free speech rights.

Court documents show the district made excuses, from a lack of space to discomfort with “evangelism on our campus.” They even refused to call the club a “community partner” because it’s a Christian group.

Judge Gilliam explained that the Good News Clubs meet after hours, include only those kids whose parents want them there, and aren’t run by the schools themselves. He pointed out that secular groups, like the Girl Scouts and chess programs, were welcomed in—while the Christian club was shown the door for its beliefs.

This ruling follows a Supreme Court decision from 2001 saying public schools can’t block religious groups from using facilities if similar non-religious groups are allowed. Excluding faith-based clubs is flat-out discrimination.

Mat Staver, who leads Liberty Counsel and represents the Christian group, called it “a great victory for Child Evangelism Fellowship, parents, and the students in Oakland public schools.”

He added, “Child Evangelism Fellowship gives children a biblically based education that includes moral and character development. Good News Clubs should be in every public elementary school.”

The Oakland district responded by saying all groups can use its property if they follow the rules, pay fees, and respect the grounds. Anyone is welcome to apply for facility use as long as they don’t disrupt learning.

Faith, family, and fairness are at the heart of this fight for equal access in our schools. Stand up for your values and make your voice heard in your local system.

Wyatt Matters

Every child and family deserves the freedom to share their beliefs. Keeping public spaces open to Christian groups helps keep our communities fair and true to American values.

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