Press Releases

Victory! Secretary of Veterans Affairs Stops Pennsylvania VA Hospital from Censoring Chaplains, Protects Chaplain Rights Nationwide

(Harrisburg, PA - April 3rd, 2025)—U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins sent a letter to First Liberty Institute and the Independence Law Center (“ILC”) announcing that his office has taken action to stop a speech code for chaplains threatened by the Coatesville (PA) VA Medical Center.  The decision ensures that First Liberty and ILC client Chaplain Rusty Trubey and his chaplain colleagues…

Read More

PIAA Updates Policy to Protect Girls’ Sports – Statement from Independence Law Center

The following statement can be attributed to Jeremy Samek, Senior Counsel, Independence Law Center, in response to Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) change of policy regarding girls’ sports. # # # "The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) took an important step in restoring safety, fairness, and opportunity in girls’ sports by aligning its policy…

Read More

Pennsylvania VA Chaplain Sanctioned for Chapel Message, Faces Sermon Censorship by Supervisor

Law firms send letter to new Secretary of Veterans Affairs Collins seeking action. Harrisburg, PA—Today, First Liberty Institute and the Independence Law Center sent a letter on behalf of Rusty Trubey, a veteran chaplain at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, asking U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to take immediate action to eliminate a speech code being imposed by the VA and ensure…

Read More

Case of Mail Carrier Who Sued Postal Service and Won at U.S. Supreme Court Set for Trial

Gerald Groff lost his job after seeking religious accommodation to observe Sunday Sabbath, resulting in unanimous decision at Supreme Court. Philadelphia, PA—The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania rejected the U.S. Postal Service’s (“USPS”) motion for summary judgement, ordering a trial for Gerald Groff, the former mail carrier who filed a lawsuit against…

Read More

Response to False Rumors Circulating About the Independence Law Center

Independence Law Center supports the goal of parents and school districts to see that everyone is treated with respect, and that the privacy rights of all students are protected. Independence Law Center always recommends privacy, including increasing privacy within existing facilities. We never suggest putting a window into restrooms with stalls.  It’s the position of the Independence Law…

Read More

Press Release: Victory Ends Government Interference With Joy-El Ministries’ Release Time Program to Public School Students

(HARRISBURG, PA – December 18, 2023) Today, in a 4-3 decision in CBM Ministries v. DOT, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania granted a victory to Joy El Ministries in a case involving overreaching government mandates that would have hindered its ability to operate a popular “released time” program. “This is a great day for Joy El Ministries and the students they serve in its released…

Read More