Thomas More Law Center

The Sword and Shield for People of Faith

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Voice For Life Wins! Pro-Life Group Granted Rights as Official Student Club of Johns Hopkins University

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ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center (TMLC) a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan announced this morning that the Student Government Association (SGA) Judiciary Committee of Johns Hopkins University (JHU) issued a unanimous decision late yesterday evening overturning a SGA ruling that denied recognition to Voice for Life (VFL) as an official student club of the University.

TMLC, whose mission includes defending the constitutional rights of pro-life groups and individuals, representing VFL, authored an April 4th letter to top Johns Hopkins University officials and the SGA Judiciary Committee laying out the legal basis requiring recognition of VFL.  However, Andrew Guernsey, VFL’s president and Chris Fernandez, VFL’s treasurer, presented VFL’s case to the SGA Judiciary Committee last night.

Responding to the decision, Andrew Guernsey commented: “We commend the SGA Judiciary for honoring Johns Hopkins’ institutional commitment to free speech by overturning Voice for Life’s rejection by the SGA Senate. Today is a victory not only for pro-life students here at Johns Hopkins, but for pro-life students around the country. We hope that our story of rising above discriminatory opposition can inspire pro-life students around the country to courageously take a stand for life and speak truth to power at their own college campuses.”

Continued Guernsey, “On behalf of JHU Voice for Life, I wish to thank all our supporters in the Hopkins-Baltimore community and around the country. I especially want to express my gratitude to Students for Life, FIRE, and the Thomas More Law Center for their support in helping us win approval from the SGA. It is important that pro-life students like us who face unjust discrimination on their college campuses know that they are not alone, and that there are powerful resources to help them win the battle for free speech in order to win the war of defending the dignity of every human life.”

Monica Rex, Vice President of JHU VFL, added: “Now that the SGA Judiciary Committee has approved us, we are ready to begin the real work of saving lives!  While the road was difficult, we have learned just how much this fight for life means to us, and how important it is that students at Johns Hopkins have the opportunity to hear our pro-life message. Johns Hopkins has always stood for the very best in higher education, and we look forward to bringing our pro-life message to future leaders in the medical industry here at Hopkins.”

On March 12th, SGA denied VFL’s application for official recognition as a student club on the grounds that VFL’s intention to peacefully engage in sidewalk counseling off campus at a Baltimore abortion facility violates the University’s anti-Harassment and Code of Conduct policies, and that VFL’s website includes a link to the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform’s website, which features images of aborted preborn babies, considered by members of the SGA to be “offensive”.

The SGA March 12th denial was affirmed by the SGA Senate on March 24th.  VFL filed an appeal with the student Judiciary Committee.

Richard Thompson, TMLC’s President and Chief Counsel, commented: “This is a great example of courageous students facing tremendous opposition, sticking to their deeply held pro-life principles and advancing those principles based on their right to free speech so deeply engrained in our culture, enshrined in our constitution, and fostered at Johns Hopkins University.”

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life.  It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America.  The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities.  It does not charge for its services.  The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization.  You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

TMLC Represents Veterans Protesting Confiscation of Historic “Don’t Tread on Me” Flag Flying Under the Stars and Stripes

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news_img_3611Peter Parente, President of the United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association of New Rochelle, New York (“Veterans”) (UVMPA-NR) announced that UVMPA has retained the Thomas More Law Center, to regain the right to fly the historic Gadsden Flag under the Stars and Stripes.  Peter Parente is a prior active service Marine.

The Gadsden Flag, bright yellow bearing a coiled rattlesnake and the phrase “Don’t Tread on Me”, is steeped in our Nation’s history going back to its founding.  It has been used by both the Marines and the Navy since 1775.  The Marine Corps still flies it under the Stars and Stripes on some of its installations.  And the Navy still flies it or a version of it on its warships.  However, the New Rochelle City Council confiscated the flag because they claim it has right wing connections and is a symbol of the Tea Party.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center commented, “Their outrageous decision to confiscate a cherished symbol of our War for Independence smacks of pure partisan politics.  Many Americans fought and died for our independence under that flag, and the Law Center will take available means to return the Gadsden Flag back on the Veterans’ flag pole. As one Revolutionary War hero said, we ‘have just begun to fight.’”

Continued Thompson, “Using the City Council’s reasoning, they would remove the Stars and Stripes from flagpoles because both Democrat and Republican Parties, as well as most political candidates, use the Stars and Stripes in their campaign messaging.”

On March 21, 2013, at an official ceremony, the Veterans unfurled a new Stars and Stripes Flag to replace a tattered one and underneath the Stars and Stripes, the Gadsden Flag. The site of the controversy is the New Rochelle Armory, which at one time was a NY State Naval Militia Armory and a training facility for both Navy and Marines beginning in the 1930s until the 1990’s.  Over a half a century ago, The City of New Rochelle chartered the Veterans Society which is now known as the UVMPA to formally conduct Veterans Services Honoring its Veterans & the care of memorials and monuments throughout the city. When appropriate, the UVMPA has cared for and has accepted responsibility for upkeep and maintenance of the Armory Flag and Memorials.

Within a week of the flag raising ceremony, City Manager Chuck Strome ordered Parente to take down the Gadsden Flag because unidentified complainants told him that the flag was a Tea Party symbol.  But Strome changed his mind after Parente provided him links to the the history of the Flag.  Astonishingly, less than 3 hours later, Parente was told that a majority of the City Council had voted to remove the Flag.  It was taken down the same day by the Public Works Department.

Peter Parente and members of his organization plan to protest the Flag’s confiscation at tomorrow’s City Council meeting. The April 9th City Council meeting will include “Citizens To Be Heard” (“CTBH”) where all New Rochelle citizens can have an open mic for 3 minutes to make comments, for the council to take into consideration while they deliberate on city issues. “CTBH” will take place at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers located in City Hall, 515 North Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801, (914) 654-2000.

According to Peter Parente, “The Gadsden Flag was the first flag of our Nation … the Navy and Marines fought the American Revolution under that flag, and we will stand under it and fight again if we must.”

Pro-life group denied recognition by Johns Hopkins University Student Government Turns to TMLC for Help

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news_img_3541ANN ARBOR, MI – In a charged controversy over students’ right to free speech at a private university, Voice for Life (VFL), a pro-life student organization seeking official recognition as a student club at Johns Hopkins University has turned to the Thomas More Law Center (TMLC) for help.  TMLC’s mission includes defending the constitutional rights of pro-life groups and individuals.

The Johns Hopkins’ Student Government Association (SGA) turned down VFL’s application for official recognition.   The reasons offered by the SGA for its decision: that VFL’s intention to peacefully engage in sidewalk counseling off campus at a Baltimore abortion facility violates the University’s anti-Harassment and Code of Conduct policies, and that VFL’s website includes a link to the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform’s website, which features images of aborted preborn babies considered by members of the SGA to be “offensive.”  One member likened VFL to a white supremacist organization.

The SGA vote to deny recognition to VFL occurred on March 12 and that vote was affirmed by the SGA’s Senate on March 24th.  VFL has appealed to the student Judiciary Committee which will hear the case on Tuesday, April 9, at 5 p.m. at the Mason Hall Boardroom.  Andrew Guernsey, VFL’s president and Chris Fernandez, VFL’s treasurer, will represent VFL before the Judiciary Committee. Guernsey has previously framed the issue as one of free speech.

Last Thursday, April 4th, TMLC emailed a letter to the top Johns Hopkins University officials and the Judiciary Committee laying out the legal basis requiring recognition of VFL.

Click here to read entire 5-page letter.

Richard Thompson, TMLC’s President and Chief Counsel, commented on the controversy, “The actions and comments by members of the Student Government Association are puzzling and in stark contrast to the public statements of University officials who thus far have clearly come out in favor of free speech.  Moreover, the University’s Office of Institutional Equity has already issued a written opinion stating that VFL’s proposed sidewalk counseling activities are in full keeping with the University’s policies that value free expression and open debate.”

Thomas More Law Center Represents Veterans Protesting Confiscation of Historic “Don’t Tread on Me” Flag Flying Under the Stars and Stripes

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ANN ARBOR, MI – Peter Parente, President of the United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association of New Rochelle, New York (“Veterans”) (UVMPA-NR) announced that UVMPA has retained the Thomas More Law Center (TMLC), a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to regain the right to fly the historic Gadsden Flag under the Stars and Stripes.  Peter Parente is a prior active service Marine.

The Gadsden Flag, bright yellow bearing a coiled rattlesnake and the phrase “Don’t Tread on Me”, is steeped in our Nation’s history going back to its founding.  It has been used by both the Marines and the Navy since 1775.  The Marine Corps still flies it under the Stars and Stripes on some of its installations.  And the Navy still flies it or a version of it on its warships.  However, the New Rochelle City Council confiscated the flag because they claim it has right wing connections and is a symbol of the Tea Party.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center commented, “Their outrageous decision to confiscate a cherished symbol of our War for Independence smacks of pure partisan politics.  Many Americans fought and died for our independence under that flag, and the Law Center will take available means to return the Gadsden Flag back on the Veterans’ flag pole. As one Revolutionary War hero said, we ‘have just begun to fight.’”

Continued Thompson, “Using the City Council’s reasoning, they would remove the Stars and Stripes from flagpoles because both Democrat and Republican Parties, as well as most political candidates, use the Stars and Stripes in their campaign messaging.”

On March 21, 2013, at an official ceremony, the Veterans unfurled a new Stars and Stripes Flag to replace a tattered one and underneath the Stars and Stripes, the Gadsden Flag.    The site of the controversy is the New Rochelle Armory, which at one time was a NY State Naval Militia Armory and a training facility for both Navy and Marines beginning in the 1930s until the 1990’s.  Over a half a century ago, The City of New Rochelle chartered the Veterans Society which is now known as the UVMPA to formally conduct Veterans Services Honoring its Veterans & the care of memorials and monuments throughout the city. When appropriate, the UVMPA has cared for and has accepted responsibility for upkeep and maintenance of the Armory Flag and Memorials.

Within a week of the flag raising ceremony, City Manager Chuck Strome ordered Parente to take down the Gadsden Flag because unidentified complainants told him that the flag was a Tea Party symbol.  But Strome changed his mind after Parente provided him links to the the history of the Flag.  Astonishingly, less than 3 hours later, Parente was told that a majority of the City Council had voted to remove the Flag.  It was taken down the same day by the Public Works Department.

Peter Parente and members of his organization plan to protest the Flag’s confiscation at tomorrow’s City Council meeting. The April 9th City Council meeting will include “Citizens To Be Heard” (“CTBH”) where all New Rochelle citizens can have an open mic for 3 minutes to make comments, for the council to take into consideration while they deliberate on city issues. “CTBH” will take place at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers located in City Hall, 515 North Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801, (914) 654-2000.

According to Peter Parente, “The Gadsden Flag was the first flag of our Nation … the Navy and Marines fought the American Revolution under that flag, and we will stand under it and fight again if we must.”

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life.  It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America.  The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities.  It does not charge for its services.  The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization.  You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

Pro-life group denied recognition by Johns Hopkins University Student Government Turns to the Thomas More Law Center

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ANN ARBOR, MI – In a charged controversy over students’ right to free speech at a private university, Voice for Life (VFL), a pro-life student organization seeking official recognition as a student club at Johns Hopkins University has turned to the Thomas More Law Center (TMLC) for help.  TMLC is a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, whose mission includes defending the constitutional rights of pro-life groups and individuals.

The Johns Hopkins’ Student Government Association (SGA) turned down VFL’s application for official recognition.   The reasons offered by the SGA for its decision: that VFL’s intention to peacefully engage in sidewalk counseling off campus at a Baltimore abortion facility violates the University’s anti-Harassment and Code of Conduct policies, and that VFL’s website includes a link to the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform’s website, which features images of aborted preborn babies considered by members of the SGA to be “offensive.”  One member likened VFL to a white supremacist organization.

The SGA vote to deny recognition to VFL occurred on March 12 and that vote was affirmed by the SGA’s Senate on March 24th.  VFL has appealed to the student Judiciary Committee which will hear the case on Tuesday, April 9, at 5 p.m. at the Mason Hall Boardroom.  Andrew Guernsey, VFL’s president and Chris Fernandez, VFL’s treasurer, will represent VFL before the Judiciary Committee. Guernsey has previously framed the issue as one of free speech.

Last Thursday, April 4th, TMLC emailed a letter to the top Johns Hopkins University officials and the Judiciary Committee laying out the legal basis requiring recognition of VFL.

Click here to read entire 5-page letter.

Richard Thompson, TMLC’s President and Chief Counsel, commented on the controversy, “The actions and comments by members of the Student Government Association are puzzling and in stark contrast to the public statements of University officials who thus far have clearly come out in favor of free speech.  Moreover, the University’s Office of Institutional Equity has already issued a written opinion stating that VFL’s proposed sidewalk counseling activities are in full keeping with the University’s policies that value free expression and open debate.”

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life.  It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America.  The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities.  It does not charge for its services.  The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization.  You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

Supreme Court Argument on Same-Sex Marriage Could Drastically Change American Culture; TMLC Files Brief Supporting Traditional Marriage

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news_img_3529Today, starting at around 10:15 a.m. EST, the U. S. Supreme Court will hear an hour long argument in the case of Hollingsworth v. Perry over the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8 (Prop 8) which amended the state constitution to ban same-sex marriages.  Prop 8 was passed by 52 percent of California voters just months after the California Supreme Court endorsed same sex marriages. However, an admitted homosexual San Francisco federal judge held the ban unconstitutional, and his ruling was subsequently upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Thomas More Law Center (TMLC) filed a joint Friend of the Court brief with Advocates for Faith and Freedom in support of Prop 8 and traditional marriage.  Our brief was filed on behalf of TMLC and California County Clerk Chuck Storey, the lone government figure to defend Prop 8.  TMLC opposed any redefinition of marriage that would include same-sex marriages.  Our brief stated in part:

“…the traditional definition of marriage represents the recognition of the basic biological reality that male-female sexual relations, and only male-female sexual relations, can produce a pregnancy and childbirth. Appreciation of this difference is not discrimination, it is acknowledgment of the facts of life.”

Click here to read the entire brief.

The Court is expected to render its decision in the case in June of this year.