The director of a local chapter of a group taking aim at “radical Islam” is suing Knox County Schools and Superintendent Jim McIntyre for rescinding approval of the use of Farragut High School for an after-school event.
Freedom X, a conservative nonprofit law firm targeting religious freedom issues, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court Monday on behalf of John Peach, director of the Knoxville chapter of ACT! for America, against the school system, the board of education, McIntyre and another school official involved in the April controversy.
The lawsuit stems from McIntyre’s decision to rescind approval for Peach’s group to use Farragut High School after hours for an April event centered on Islamic or “Sharia” law. McIntyre’s decision came after complaints from the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The group wound up moving the event to a local church.
ACT! for America describes itself as a “grass roots” and “nonpartisan” organization that aims to educate the public about followers of “radical Islam” who operate in sleeper cells, attending U.S. colleges and seeking to influence public opinion.
The lawsuit alleges the school system violated the U.S. Constitution by restricting free speech. It asks that a federal judge declare the school system in violation of the Constitution and seeks an injunction to prevent further such decisions. The legal action says Peach and his intended guest speaker for the Farragut High School event are asking for “nominal damages” and the awarding of all attorney’s fees and expenses for the litigation.
More details as they develop online and in Wednesday’s News Sentinel.