Grand Island Student Fights School’s Denial of Religious Parking Design

A senior at Grand Island Senior High School is contesting the school’s decision to deny her religious-themed parking design, arguing it infringes upon her constitutional rights. Sabrina Steffans, a student at Grand Island Central School District, submitted a parking space design featuring a Bible verse and religious imagery, only to have it rejected as “inappropriate” due to its religious content.

For the past two years, seniors at the district have been allowed to personalize their parking spots for a fee of $50. According to the law firm representing Steffans, First Liberty Institute, the school’s rejection of her original design raises concerns about “viewpoint discrimination.” On August 12, 2025, the Texas-based legal organization sent an 11-page demand letter to the school district, urging officials to reverse their decision.

Keisha Russell, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, emphasized the legal implications of the school’s actions. She noted that Steffans initially submitted two designs that were denied before a third was approved. This approved design retained the phrase “Let your light shine,” but omitted direct scripture references, aligning with suggestions from her assistant principal.

Despite securing approval for a modified design, Steffans continues to challenge the school’s initial rejections. Russell articulated the student’s motivation: “In her mind, she feels her constitutional rights are being trampled on. She believes other students are allowed to express their views, while she faces censorship for expressing her faith.”

Russell further explained that schools must maintain a neutral stance on religious expression, allowing students to share their beliefs while still having the authority to reject messages that might incite violence. “You have to be neutral in regards to your view of religion,” she stated, adding that discriminatory practices based solely on religious content are not permissible.

The Grand Island Central School District, now in its third year of the parking space design program, has stated that they are reviewing the demand letter from First Liberty Institute. Superintendent Brian Graham commented, “We obviously need time to review, digest, and discuss it. While we do so, we’re happy to pause the deadline for students to complete their parking space designs.”

First Liberty is awaiting the district’s response to whether Steffans will be allowed to express her religious beliefs through her parking design. Should the answer be negative, the firm plans to file a preliminary injunction in federal court in New York State, further escalating the matter into the legal arena.

This situation highlights ongoing tensions between school policies and students’ rights to religious expression, setting the stage for potential legal challenges in the future.