First Amendment activist Chaz Stevens.
A recent motion to dismiss the ongoing lawsuit filed by political activist Chaz Stevens against Broward County Public Schools has yielded significant developments.
The case revolves around accusations of religious discrimination after the district allegedly barred Stevens from displaying a banner for his “Church of Satanology” while allowing religious messages from Christian groups. Stevens claims that the exclusion of his banner constitutes a violation of his First Amendment rights.
On December 31, 2024, U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola issued an order on the motion to dismiss, granting some of Stevens’ claims while dismissing others.
The Court determined that Stevens had sufficiently alleged that his religious practices were unfairly burdened under the Florida Religious Freedom Restoration Act (FRFRA) and that denying his religious banners could constitute unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment. This ruling allows Stevens’ claims to move forward in these areas.
However, the judge also ruled to dismiss Stevens’ claim under Florida Statute § 871.04, which prohibits religious discrimination in public advertising. The Court found that the statute does not support Stevens’ claims, as no advertisement stated he was unwelcome due to his religious affiliation.
Additionally, Stevens’ request for a jury trial was denied, as his claims are primarily for equitable relief, not legal damages.
Stevens, who just announced his Deerfield Beach Mayoral candidacy, told Coral Springs Talk, “I’ve been personally harmed—and guess what? The Court agrees. Sure, the Broward School Board might try hiding behind immunity, but the bad actors on the ground? Not so lucky.
He said the next stop is a civil rights complaint.
“A multi-million-dollar lawsuit should make them think twice before trampling on my rights. Hello, I’m Chaz Stevens—duh. And let’s be clear: whatever I win goes straight back to the schools to pay off lunch debts. Fight injustice, feed kids, and hold the line on the First Amendment—that’s how I roll.”
The case, which continues to draw attention for its implications on the intersection of religious freedom and public school policies, will proceed with a bench trial scheduled for March 10, 2025.
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Religious advertisement at Coral Springs High School. {courtesy}
a church advertisement at Marjory Stoneman Douglas was recently removed after pressure from Stevens. {courtesy}
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“Satan Loves the First Amendment”: Activist Sues Broward Schools Over Alleged Religious Bias
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