Chaz Stevens’ lawsuit against Broward Schools for religious discrimination denied by a judge.

Coral Springs, Florida – Important developments have resulted from a recent motion to dismiss the continuing case against Broward County Public Schools brought by political activist Chaz Stevens.

The complaint centers on claims of religious discrimination after the district reportedly let Christian groups to exhibit religious messages while prohibiting Stevens from hanging a banner for his “Church of Satanology.” Stevens argues that his First Amendment rights have been violated by the removal of his banner.

U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola granted some of Stevens’ claims while dismissing others in his order on the request to dismiss, which was released on December 31, 2024.

According to the Court, Stevens had adequately claimed that the Florida Religious Freedom Restoration Act (FRFRA) unjustly restricted his religious activities and that, in accordance with the First Amendment, removing his religious banners would amount to unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination. Stevens’ claims can now proceed in these regions thanks to this verdict.

The judge did, however, also decide to reject Stevens’ claim in light of Florida Statute Section 871.04, which forbids discrimination based on religion in public advertisements. Since no advertisement indicated that Stevens was not welcome because of his religious membership, the Court determined that the legislation does not support Stevens’ claims.

Furthermore, since Stevens’ claims are mainly for equitable relief rather than monetary damages, his desire for a jury trial was turned down.

“I’ve been personally harmed—and guess what?,” Stevens, who just declared his intention to run for mayor of Deerfield Beach, told Coral Springs Talk. The Court concurs. The Broward School Board may attempt to conceal themselves by claiming immunity, but what about the bad actors on the ground? Not so fortunate.

“A civil rights complaint is the next stop,” he said.

“A lawsuit for millions of dollars ought to make them reconsider infringing upon my rights. Hi there, I’m Chaz Stevens, of course. To be clear, whatever money I win is immediately reinvested in the schools to settle lunch debt. My philosophy is to fight injustice, provide for children, and uphold the First Amendment.

A bench trial in the matter, which continues to garner attention due to its implications for the junction of public education regulations and religious freedom, is set for March 10, 2025.