Public School Held Accountable for Violating First Amendment Rights<BR> of NRA Affiliated Group

FAIRFAX, VA - The National Rifle Association (NRA) commended the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC) for their hard work in addressing the blatant attack on their First Amendment rights by the Montclair, NJ Board of Education. The ANJRPC filed suit against the School Board in June of 2000 after they were denied the same privilege of distributing a flyer that a gun-ban group was given. This resolution guarantees that Second Amendment groups will have the same rights as all other groups. The settlement calls for the following:

1. The School Board must distribute three leaflets to make up for past unequal treatment. The leaflets will promote ANJRPC`s 2003 education and training events for youth and women.
2. The ANJRPC will have access to the school system to conduct events.
3. The ANJRPC may grant scholarships.
4. The ANJRPC may establish a student club.

In the event the School Board votes to amend their policies and prohibit such activities, no one group may be exempted. "There is no room for political demagoguery in our schools and this new policy will help insure our children hear both sides of any issue," said Chris W. Cox, NRA Chief Lobbyist. "This is a victory for the First Amendment and I salute the ANJRPC and their Executive Vice President, and NRA Board Member, Scott Bach, on a tremendous effort. The settlement that was reached sends a clear message to school districts throughout America, you can`t play politics with our kids." The 132 year-old NRA is the nation`s oldest civil rights group, and advocates enforcement of existing laws to prosecute and punish violent criminals. The NRA is the nation`s leader in teaching gun safety and promoting marksmanship among law enforcement officers nationwide. The Association has over 4 million members across America. --nra--