Christian student group fights New Jersey school policy barring volunteer mentors

A Christian student group is suing a New Jersey school district over a policy that bars its outside volunteer mentors from religious club meetings while permitting outside volunteers to collaborate with other student groups.

Becket filed the federal lawsuit Aug. 11 on behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), whose student-led clubs bring athletes together for fellowship, prayer, Bible study, and other activities, according to an Aug. 12 press release from the legal group.

The district adopted the restriction ahead of the 2025-26 school year after the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an atheist group, complained about FCA volunteers attending meetings, according to Becket.

Joseph Davis, senior counsel at Becket and lead attorney for FCA, said the restriction came after years of the district allowing the Christian clubs to involve outside mentors.

“An atheist advocacy group didn’t like that Christian kids were choosing to learn about faith, life, and sports from trusted mentors,” Davis said. “And after years of a great relationship with FCA clubs, the school district regrettably gave the advocacy group its way.”

The lawsuit involves FCA clubs at Hopewell Valley Central High School and Timberlane Middle School.

Carolyn McDonough, FCA New Jersey area director and a Hopewell Valley Central High School alumna, pointed to the role those mentors can play in students’ lives.

“They helped me grow in my relationship with Jesus and live out my faith through sports,” McDonough said. “Now I have the privilege of doing the same for today’s students. I pray the court will let me continue that ministry.”

FCA is asking the federal court to end the restriction and restore the clubs’ access to outside volunteer mentors.

“Fortunately, the Constitution forbids religious discrimination,” Davis said in the release. “We’re confident the court will restore equal access for all student groups.”