Suit: Cherry Creek Schools illegally urging churchgoing

Sara Burnett, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 16, 2007 at midnight

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The Freedom from Religion Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit against Cherry Creek Schools, saying a project aimed at helping students reach their full potential illegally encourages going to church.

The complaint, filed on behalf of two parents who have children in Cherry Creek schools, accuses the district of violating laws regarding the separation of church and state.

Tustin Amole, spokeswoman for the district, said today the district is confident the project is not illegal because it does not mandate participation in any religious activity.

Known as the 40 Developmental Assets, the project is promoted to families as a way to help students grow into "responsible, confident and healthy young people," according to a newsletter sent to parents.

The document says research has shown students with 30 or more of the assets are more likely to exhibit positive behavior.

Among the assets is having family support, doing at least one hour of homework each day and telling the truth, "even when it's not easy."

Recommendation number 19 — which prompted the lawsuit — is "religious community." It suggests young people spend one or more hours each week in activities at a religious institution.

The project, which was created by a private research group and is used nationally, has been in the Cherry Creek district for 18 years, Amole said.

The complaint asks the court to order the district to stop endorsing Developmental Asset 19. It does not specifically seek damages, but asks for any other relief the court deems proper.

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