A New Jersey high school student launched a federal lawsuit saying he isn’t being permitted to hold a Day of Truth.

Day of Truth is an initiative of The Alliance Defense Fund to counter The Day of Silence.

“The problem is that the district has continued to put roadblocks in front of the Christian viewpoint on subjects that are already discussed in the school,” lawyer Jeremy Tedesco said.

The suit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court, Newark, accuses Superintendent Robert McGuire and Principal John Keenan of trying to derail the event and violate Aufiero’s rights to free speech and free exercise of religion.

But McGuire, calling the suit “overkill” and “blowing smoke,” said the district never sought to stop Aufiero, and that the event is on for Friday.

“He is going to be able to have his Day of Truth and do whatever he is legally entitled to do,” McGuire said.

McGuire said Keenan initially asked Aufiero’s parents to come in for a meeting to discuss the event. But they refused, and Aufiero retained the Alliance Defense Fund, a nationally prominent law firm that backs religious conservatives.

McGuire said he doesn’t dispute Aufiero’s right to hold the event but is concerned about the content of materials that would be distributed and where Aufiero would hand them out.

Students have to register at the Alliance Defense Fund to get Day of Truth materials. The website states,  “It will allow us to keep in contact with you and provide you with resources and encouragement as April 19 approaches.”
Common questions and hostile questions sections are spelled out. Students believing they face opposition are encouraged to contact the lawyers, they will receive legal representation for free. 
Sponsoring groups are Focus on the Family and two  one of their spin-off organizations, The Family Research Council and Exodus International. Concerned Women for America and The Southern Baptist Convention also sponsor.

Students get a T-shirt and cards that say:

“I am speaking the Truth to break the silence. I believe in equal treatment for all, and not special rights for a few. I believe in loving my neighbor, but part of that love means not condoning detrimental personal and social behavior. I believe that by boldly proclaiming the Truth, hurts will be halted, hearts will be healed, and lives will be saved.”

Kids signing up have to promise not to put personal messages on their t-shirts.

“Knowing it could possibly upset others, we wanted to iron these things out,” he (McGuire) said. “But his attorneys feel there’s no need to go along with us on these procedural issues.”