RLUIPA.org
Redwood Christian Schools v. County of Alameda
Redwood Christian is an interdenominational, independent day school for boys and girls in grades K-12, which provides a fully accredited program of Christ-centered education and Christian fellowship and worship.
In 1997, Redwood officials spent $3 million on land in California’s Alameda County and developed plans for building a new, permanent school there, eventually spending another $1 million to make the property suitable for development.
In November 2000, the Alameda Planning Commission voted to deny Redwood a conditional use permit to build and operate a high school on the new property, imposing a substantial burden on Redwood Christian’s religious exercise. County officials ignored the fact that the county itself had recognized - in writing - that there is no alternative location in Alameda County to build the school, and Redwood was left with no alternative but to file suit.
The complaint filed in federal court charged the county with violating California law "by treating private religious schools on less than equal terms with public schools." However, numerous pre-trial motions prevented the case from going to trial for over five years.
A verdict in favor the county was returned in February 2007, and Redwood Christian appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In November 2008, Redwood reached a settlement agreement with the county.
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Articles & News Items
- "Redwood Christian Schools file federal lawsuit against Alameda County," November 16, 2001
- "U.S. Department of Justice intervenes in Redwood Christian case," August 16, 2002
- "Expert: Alameda County, CA Facing More Than $30 Million in Damages," March 29, 2006
- "California Christian Schools to Proceed with Lawsuit Against County," August 30, 2006
- "Redwood Christian Trial Begins," February 13, 2007
- "Jury to Decide Fate of Redwood Christian Schools," February 27, 2007
- "Justice Delayed for Redwood Christian Schools," March 2, 2007