Case: Westfield High School L.I.F.E. Club v. Westfield Public Schools

3:03-cv-30008 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Jan. 13, 2003

Closed Date: 2003

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On January 13, 2003, several student members of the Westfield High School L.I.F.E. Club filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201, against the City of Westfield, Massachusetts. The complaint alleged that the defendant violated the plaintiffs' freedom of speech, assembly, and free exercise of religion under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause, and unlawfull…

On January 13, 2003, several student members of the Westfield High School L.I.F.E. Club filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201, against the City of Westfield, Massachusetts. The complaint alleged that the defendant violated the plaintiffs' freedom of speech, assembly, and free exercise of religion under the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause, and unlawfully discriminated against them based on the religious content of their speech in violation of the Equal Access Act, 20 U.S.C. § 4071, and the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. The plaintiffs also alleged violation of their freedom of expression under Massachusetts state law. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel and Alliance Defending Freedom (formerly "Alliance Defense Fund"), a Christian non-profit organization, requested a declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, and damages.

More specifically, the plaintiffs claimed that Westfield High School's policies and practices which prohibited and punished them for distributing religious literature, were discriminatory, content-based, vague, and acted as an unconstitutional prior restraint on speech. The alleged discrimination began during the 2001-2002 school year, when the plaintiffs were denied permission to distribute candy canes along with a religious story of the candy cane and Bible verses, to students at the school during non-instructional time. In 2002, the plaintiffs were again denied permission to distribute the literature, on the basis that the material was "offensive." The plaintiffs distributed the materials with the religious content anyway and were suspended as a consequence.

On January 13, 2003, along with their complaint, the plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction, requesting the Court enjoin the defendants from enforcing the allegedly unconstitutional policies and the suspensions on the plaintiffs. Both the ACLU of Massachusetts and the United States filed briefs as amici curiae in support of the plaintiffs' motion, on February 26 and February 20, respectively. Following a hearing, the District Court (Judge Frank H. Freedman) granted the plaintiffs' motion on March 17. Westfield High Sch. L.I.F.E. Club v. City of Westfield, 249 F. Supp. 2d 98, 108-109, 127-28 (D. Mass. 2003).

On April 7, 2003, the defendants filed a motion to stay, which the Court denied on April 16. On April 16, the plaintiffs amended their complaint to add the City of Westfield as a defendant and remove Westfield Public Schools as a party. The plaintiffs also moved for summary judgment.

On June 13, 2003, the Court entered a stipulation of dismissal of the claims against the individual defendants.

On June 16, 2003, the Court entered a consent decree, which proclaimed that the defendants had replaced the school speech policies with new agreed-upon rules. The defendants also agreed to rescind punishment of the plaintiffs for the distribution of the religious materials, remove prior restraints and content-based restrictions of distribution of materials during non-instructional time without complying with substantive and procedural safeguards, so long as distribution doesn't substantially and materially disrupt the operation of the school or the new policies. The plaintiffs were awarded $28,500 in attorneys' fees and costs and the case was closed.

Summary Authors

Stella Cernak (3/14/2014)

People


Judge(s)

Freedman, Frank Harlan (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Emmons, Bertin C. (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Berman, Amy I. (District of Columbia)

Caspar, Edward G. (District of Columbia)

Glassman, Jeremiah (District of Columbia)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

3:03-cv-30008

Docket [PACER]

Westfield High Sch. v. Westfield Pub. Sch.

March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009

Docket
1

3:03-cv-30008

Verified Complaint for Preliminary and Permanent Injunctive Relief, Declaratory Relief and Damages

Westfield High School Life Club v. Westfield Public Schools

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

Complaint
38

3:03-cv-30008

Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction (249 F. Supp. 2d 98)

Westfield High School L.I.F.E. Club v. City of Westfield

March 17, 2003

March 17, 2003

Order/Opinion
43

3:03-cv-30008

Second Verified Amended Complaint

Westfield High School L.I.F.E. Club v. City of Westfield

April 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

Complaint
54

3:03-cv-30008

Order Entering Plaintiffs' Consent Decree

Westfield High School L.I.F.E. Club v. City of Westfield

June 16, 2003

June 16, 2003

Order/Opinion

Docket

Last updated Jan. 27, 2024, 3:28 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

Complaint filed. Case assigned to Judge: Kenneth P. Neiman. Receipt #: 305099. Amount:$ 150.00. Fee Status: Paid. Mag/Judge Consent Form, LR 4.1, notice of lawsuit and waiver of service of summons to Counsel. (mef) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

Summons issued for Westfield Pub. Sch., Thomas Y. McDowell, Thomas W. Daley (mef) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

2

Ps' Motion for Erik W. Stanley to appear pro hac vice. Fee Status: Paid. Fee Amt: $50.00. Receipt #: 305099 filed. (mef) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

3

Ps' Motion by for Mathew D. Staver to appear pro hac vice. Fee Status: Paid. Fee Amt: 5$0.00. Receipt #: 305099. filed. (mef) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

4

Ps' Motion by for Anita L. Staver to appear pro hac vice. Fee Status: Paid. Fee Amt: $50.00. Receipt #: 305099. , filed. (mef) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

5

Ps' Motion for Joel L. Oster to appear pro hac vice. Fee Status: Paid. Fee Amt: $50.00. Receipt #: 305099. , filed. (mef) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

6

Motion by Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper for P.I. filed. (mef) (Entered:

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

8

Motion by Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper for waiver of posting a Security Bond in obtaining a Preliminary Injunction , filed. (mef) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

9

Memorandum by Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper in support of [8−1] motion for waiver of posting a Security Bond in obtaining a Preliminary Injunction , filed. (mef) (Entered: 01/13/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

Judge Michael A. Ponsor . Endorsed Order entered granting [2−1] motion for Erik W. Stanley to appear pro hac vice; cc/cl. [EOD Date 1/14/03] (mef) (Entered: 01/14/2003)

Jan. 14, 2003

Jan. 14, 2003

Judge Michael A. Ponsor . Endorsed Order entered granting [3−1] motion for Mathew D. Staver to appear pro hac vice; cc/cl. [EOD Date 1/14/03] (mef) (Entered: 01/14/2003)

Jan. 14, 2003

Jan. 14, 2003

Judge Michael A. Ponsor . Endorsed Order entered granting [4−1] motion for Anita L. Staver to appear pro hac vice; cc/cl. [EOD Date 1/14/03] (mef) (Entered: 01/14/2003)

Jan. 14, 2003

Jan. 14, 2003

Judge Michael A. Ponsor . Endorsed Order entered granting [5−1] motion for Joel L. Oster to appear pro hac vice; cc/cl. [EOD Date 1/14/03] (mef) (Entered: 01/14/2003)

Jan. 14, 2003

Jan. 14, 2003

10

Not all parties consenting to assignment to Magistrate Judge Neiman. Case to be redrawn for random assignment to District Judge. (mgl) (Entered: 01/15/2003)

Jan. 15, 2003

Jan. 15, 2003

11

Notice of case assignment. Case reassigned from Judge Neiman to Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . cc/cl (mgl) (Entered: 01/15/2003)

Jan. 15, 2003

Jan. 15, 2003

12

Dft's Motion by Westfield Pub. Sch., Thomas Y. McDowell, Thomas W. Daley to extend time to 2/10/03 to file its opposition to motion for preliminary injunction and answer to complaint , filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 01/22/2003)

Jan. 21, 2003

Jan. 21, 2003

13

Notice of appearance of attorney for Westfield Pub. Sch., Thomas Y. McDowell, Thomas W. Daley by Claire L. Thompson, filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 01/22/2003)

Jan. 21, 2003

Jan. 21, 2003

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Endorsed Order entered granting [12−1] motion to extend time to 2/10/03 to file its opposition to motion for preliminary injunction and answer to complaint, set answer due for 2/10/03 for Thomas W. Daley, for Thomas Y. McDowell, for Westfield Pub. Sch. , Response to motion reset to 2/10/03 for [6−1] motion for P.I. . [EOD Date 1/24/03] (jcs) (Entered: 01/24/2003)

Jan. 24, 2003

Jan. 24, 2003

Motion hearing re: [6−1] motion for P.I. at 10:00 2/25/03 (jcs) (Entered: 01/24/2003)

Jan. 24, 2003

Jan. 24, 2003

14

Return of service executed as to Westfield Pub. Sch., Thomas Y. McDowell, Thomas W. Daley w/s/o 1/14/2003 filed. Answer due on 2/3/03 for Thomas W. Daley, for Thomas Y. McDowell, for Westfield Pub. Sch. (mef) (Entered: 01/27/2003)

Jan. 27, 2003

Jan. 27, 2003

15

Ps' Notice of Filing of returns of service on the Defts. filed. (mef) (Entered: 01/27/2003)

Jan. 27, 2003

Jan. 27, 2003

16

Notice of appearance of attorney for Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper by Mathew D. Staver, filed. (bah) (Entered: 01/28/2003)

Jan. 27, 2003

Jan. 27, 2003

17

Notice of appearance of attorney for Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper by Erik W. Stanley, filed. (bah) (Entered: 01/28/2003)

Jan. 27, 2003

Jan. 27, 2003

19

Notice of appearance of attorney for Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper by Anita L. Staver, filed. (bah) (Entered: 01/28/2003)

Jan. 27, 2003

Jan. 27, 2003

20

Dft's Motion by Westfield Pub. Sch., Thomas Y. McDowell, Thomas W. Daley to extend time to 2/14/03 to file its opposition to plantiff motion for preliminar injuntion , filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 02/07/2003)

Feb. 7, 2003

Feb. 7, 2003

21

Pltfs' Response in opposition to [20−1] motion to extend time to 2/14/03 to file its opposition to plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injuntion , filed. (jcs) (Entered: 02/10/2003)

Feb. 10, 2003

Feb. 10, 2003

22

Answer by Westfield Pub. Sch., Thomas Y. McDowell to complaint; jury demand, filed. (mef) (Entered: 02/10/2003)

Feb. 10, 2003

Feb. 10, 2003

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Endorsed Order entered granting [20−1]; cc/cl. Ds' resp. to motion reset to 2/14/2003 for [6−1] motion for P.I. . [EOD Date 2/11/03] (mef) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

Feb. 11, 2003

Feb. 11, 2003

23

Motion by Thomas W. Daley to ext. time to 2/13/2003 to resp. to the complaint. , filed. (mef) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

Feb. 11, 2003

Feb. 11, 2003

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Endorsed Order entered granting [23−1]; cc/cl. Reset answer due for 2/13/2003 for Thomas W. Daley . [EOD Date 2/11/03] (mef) (Entered: 02/11/2003)

Feb. 11, 2003

Feb. 11, 2003

24

Answer by Thomas W. Daley to complaint; jury demand, filed. (mgl) (Entered: 02/13/2003)

Feb. 13, 2003

Feb. 13, 2003

25

Notice of appearance of attorney for Thomas W. Daley by , filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 02/13/2003)

Feb. 13, 2003

Feb. 13, 2003

26

Memorandum of law by Dft's Westfield Pub. Sch., Thomas Y. McDowell in opposition to Ptf's [6−1] motion for P.I. , filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 02/14/2003)

Feb. 14, 2003

Feb. 14, 2003

27

Motion by U.S.A. for leave to file Amicus Curiae Brief , filed. (mef) (Entered: 02/20/2003)

Feb. 20, 2003

Feb. 20, 2003

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Endorsed Order entered granting [27−1] motion for leave to file Amicus Curiae Brief; cc/cl. [EOD Date 2/20/03] (mef) (Entered: 02/20/2003)

Feb. 20, 2003

Feb. 20, 2003

28

Amicus Curiae Brief by U.S.A. filed in support of Ps' motion for P.I. filed. (mef) (Entered: 02/20/2003)

Feb. 20, 2003

Feb. 20, 2003

29

Motion by ACLUM for leave to file memorandum of law as amicus curiae , filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 02/21/2003)

Feb. 21, 2003

Feb. 21, 2003

30

Notice of appearance of attorney for ACLUM by Jeffery J. Pyle, filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 02/21/2003)

Feb. 21, 2003

Feb. 21, 2003

31

Notice of appearance of attorney for ACLUM by William C. Newman, filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 02/21/2003)

Feb. 21, 2003

Feb. 21, 2003

32

Notice of Supplemental authority by Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper, filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 02/24/2003)

Feb. 24, 2003

Feb. 24, 2003

33

Supplemental Affidavit of Sharon Sitler, re: in support of Ptf's [6−1] motion for P.I. , filed. (mgl) (Entered: 02/24/2003)

Feb. 24, 2003

Feb. 24, 2003

34

Ptf's Supplemental Affidavit of Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza , re: in support of Ptf's [6−1] motion for P.I. , filed. (mgl) (Entered: 02/24/2003)

Feb. 24, 2003

Feb. 24, 2003

Motion hearing re: [6−1] motion for P.I. Motion hearing held (mef) (Entered: 02/25/2003)

Feb. 25, 2003

Feb. 25, 2003

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Endorsed Order entered granting [29−1] motion for leave to file memorandum of law as amicus curiae; cc/cl. [EOD Date 2/26/03] (mef) (Entered: 02/26/2003)

Feb. 26, 2003

Feb. 26, 2003

36

Memorandum Amicus Curiae brief by ACLUM in support of Ps' motion for P.I. filed. (mef) (Entered: 02/26/2003)

Feb. 26, 2003

Feb. 26, 2003

37

Amended complaint by Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper filed. (Answer due 3/20/03 for City of Westfield, for Thomas W. Daley, for Thomas Y. McDowell ) . Amended complaint amends [1−1] complaint ; adding . (mgl) (Entered: 03/11/2003)

March 10, 2003

March 10, 2003

38

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Memorandum and Order entered. The Court GRANTS the Pltfs' motion for preliminary injunction − [6−1] and motion for waiver of security bond − [8−1]; cc/cl. [EOD Date 3/17/03] (mef) (Entered: 03/17/2003)

March 17, 2003

March 17, 2003

39

Answer by Thomas Y. McDowell, City of Westfield to amended complaint, filed.; jury demand c/s (mgl) (Entered: 03/17/2003)

March 17, 2003

March 17, 2003

40

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Notice of Conference: Set Pretrial Scheduling Conf. for 10:00 A.M. on 4/22/2003; cc/cl. . (mef) (Entered: 03/18/2003)

March 18, 2003

March 18, 2003

41

Motion by Thomas Y. McDowell, Thomas W. Daley, City of Westfield to stay , filed. c/s (mgl) (Entered: 04/08/2003)

April 7, 2003

April 7, 2003

42

Ps' Memorandum in opposition to [41−1] motion to stay and in support of their motion to postpone the scheduling conf. filed. (mef) (Entered: 04/16/2003)

April 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

43

SECOND VERIFIED Amended complaint by Westfield High Sch., Stephen Grabowski, Timothy Souza, Daniel Souza, Sharon Sitler, Paul Sitler, Dustin Cooper filed. (Answer due 4/26/03 for City of Westfield, Thomas W. Daley, Thomas Y. McDowell). Amended complaint amends [37−1] amended complaint. (mef) (Entered: 04/16/2003)

April 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

44

Ps' Motion for S/J on each of the five counts set forth in the Second Amended Complaint − [43−1] filed. (mef) (Entered: 04/16/2003)

April 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

45

Ps' Memorandum in support of [44−1] motion for S/J on each of the five counts set forth in the Second Amended − [43−1] filed. (mef) (Entered: 04/16/2003)

April 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

46

Ps' Appendix/exhibits in support of of [44−1] motion for S/J on each of the five counts set forth in the Second Amended − [43−1] , filed. (mef) (Entered: 04/16/2003)

April 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Endorsed Order entered denying [41−1] motion to stay. Based on the filing of Ps' motion for S/J the scheduling conf. set for 4/22/2003 has been continued; cc/cl.. Terminated 4/22/2003 scheduling conf. deadline. [EOD Date 4/16/03] (mef) (Entered: 04/16/2003)

April 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

47

STIPULATION (Motion) by Thomas Y. McDowell, Thomas W. Daley, City of Westfield to ext. time to 5/07/2003 to file their opp. to the Pltfs' motion for S/J filed. (mef) (Entered: 04/24/2003)

April 23, 2003

April 23, 2003

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman . Endorsed Order entered granting [47−1]; cc/cl. Ds' resp. to motion reset to 5/7/2003 for [44−1] motion for S/J on each of the five counts set forth in the Second Amended − [43−1] . [EOD Date 4/24/03] (mef) (Entered: 04/24/2003)

April 23, 2003

April 23, 2003

48

Senior Judge Frank H. Freedman. Sixty (60) Day Settlement Order of Dismissal entered by the Court; cc/cl. [EOD Date 5/7/03] (mef) (Entered: 05/07/2003)

May 7, 2003

May 7, 2003

49

Motion by ACLUM to strike non−essential portions of the [38−1] Memorandum and Order , filed. (mef) (Entered: 05/14/2003)

May 14, 2003

May 14, 2003

50

Ptf's Opposition RESPONSE to Dft's 49 Motion to Strike portion of memo. filed by Dustin Cooper, Stephen Grabowski, Paul Sitler, Sharon Sitler, Daniel Souza. (Lindsay, Maurice) (Entered: 06/02/2003)

June 2, 2003

June 2, 2003

Judge Frank H. Freedman : EnsorsedORDER entered denying 49 Motion to Strike portions of [38−1] Memorandum and Order dated 3/17/2003; cc/cl. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 06/09/2003)

June 9, 2003

June 9, 2003

51

STIPULATION of Dismissal by Dustin Cooper, Thomas W. Daley, Stephen Grabowski, Thomas Y. McDowell, Paul Sitler, Sharon Sitler, Daniel Souza, Timothy Souza as to defts' Daley and McDowell in their individual and official capacities. (Stuckenbruck, John) (Entered: 06/13/2003)

June 13, 2003

June 13, 2003

52

MOTION entry of consent decree by City of Westfield, Dustin Cooper, Paul Sitler, Sharon Sitler, Daniel Souza, Timothy Souza, Westfield Public Schools.(Stuckenbruck, John) (Entered: 06/13/2003)

June 13, 2003

June 13, 2003

53

Judge Frank H. Freedman : EndorsedORDER entered granting 52 Motion for entry of Consent Decree; cc/cl. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 06/16/2003)

June 16, 2003

June 16, 2003

54

Judge Frank H. Freedman : ORDER entered CONSENT DECREEE entered for the Pltfs.; cc/cl.(Finn, Mary) (Entered: 06/16/2003)

June 16, 2003

June 16, 2003

Notice of correction to docket made by Court staff. Correction: document 55 Order corrected because: document deleted due to being docketed in the incorrect case. (Finn, Mary) (Entered: 03/04/2009)

March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Education

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 13, 2003

Closing Date: 2003

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Several high school students who were prohibited from distributing religious literature to fellow students during non-instructional time during the school day.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

The City of Westfield, City

Defendant Type(s):

Elementary/Secondary School

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

State law

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Constitutional Clause(s):

Free Exercise Clause

Establishment Clause

Freedom of speech/association

Equal Protection

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Attorneys fees

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 28,500.00

Order Duration: 2003 - 0

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Discrimination Prohibition

Issues

Discrimination-basis:

Religion discrimination

Type of Facility:

Government-run