10/23/2026
A federal district court approved of a consent decree between the Moline-Coal Valley School District and Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Illinois after the district had unlawfully denied Good News Clubs equal access to three elementary school facilities for more than FIVE years (while allowing access to similar non-religious organizations).
This order PERMANENTLY enjoins the school district from discriminating against CEF on the basis of religion.
This requires the school district to amend its policies to provide the Good News Clubs the same access to school facilities and forums as groups like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girls on the Run. The Moline-Coal Valley School District also agreed to pay $105,321.25 in damages and attorney’s fees and costs.
Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver: “The First Amendment prohibits public schools from discriminating against Christian viewpoints regarding use of school facilities. 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 and that includes these Moline schools.”
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