ARCA Allows Religious Expression in Virtual Classrooms After Student Dispute
Arkansas Connections Academy (ARCA) has agreed to allow religious expression in its virtual classrooms following a dispute with a high school student. The school, led by Executive Director Nicole Stephens and High School Principal Erin Lieblong, has agreed to changes after receiving a letter from the First Liberty Institute, which advocated for student Zion Ramos.
The issue arose when Ramos was muted and removed from a Zoom session for sharing his faith. The First Liberty Institute stepped in, arguing that this action infringed upon Ramos' First Amendment rights. Following the institute's intervention, ARCA invited Ramos to share his faith during a future social time. The school also agreed to provide religious liberty training for its officials, including High School Teacher Kelsey Reid, and allow religious expression during social gatherings. The RESPECT Project, a religious liberty training course, will be used for this purpose.
In response to the incident, ARCA has committed to fostering an environment that respects students' religious beliefs. The school has agreed to allow religious expression during social gatherings and provide religious liberty training for its officials. Ramos will have the opportunity to share his faith in the future, ensuring that students' First Amendment rights are protected.
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