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Why I'm Good Without God': Atheists Sue California School District Over Censorship Claim
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Why I'm Good Without God': Atheists Sue California School District Over Censorship Claim

"Inconsistent in its policy."

Two activist groups are suing a California school district over the claim that officials have unfairly neglected to inform students about scholarship opportunities that are available for young people who are atheist or agnostic.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Antelope Valley Freethinkers have filed suit against the Antelope Valley Union High School District in Lancaster, California, alleging censorship.

"The Antelope Valley Union High School District distributes lists of scholarship opportunities to district students, but for the past two years the district has refused to publish scholarship opportunities offered by [Freedom From Religion Foundation] and the Antelope Valley Freethinkers," read a statement from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

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The atheist group is willing to offer college money to students who write essays based on the following topics: "Young, Bold and Nonbelieving: Challenges of being a nonbeliever of color" or "Why I'm Good Without God: Challenges of being a young nonbeliever."

Likewise, the Antelope Valley Freethinkers were willing to offer $1,750 to students who wrote about what it was like to be a "young freethinker" in Antelope Valley," the Los Angeles Times reported.

The atheist organizations allege that the district told them that the wording of the essays would be upsetting to parents and that the opportunities would, thus, not be advertised in school lists, according to the outlet.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation and Antelope Valley Freethinkers also argue that the district "is being inconsistent in its policy," alleging that some scholarships that are listed contain "religious elements" or "solicit religious expression."

Those listings reportedly include scholarships attached to Christian, Jewish, Scientologists, gun rights and LGBTQ rights sources.

A representative for the school district was not able to be reached by TheBlaze for comment on Tuesday.

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Billy Hallowell

Billy Hallowell

Billy Hallowell is the director of communications and content for PureFlix.com, whose mission is to create God-honoring entertainment that strengthens the faith and values of individuals and families. He's a former senior editor at Faithwire.com and the former faith and culture editor at TheBlaze. He has contributed to FoxNews.com, The Washington Post, Human Events, The Daily Caller, Mediaite, and The Huffington Post, among other outlets. Visit his website (billyhallowell.com) for more of his work.