Dayton church says school ban on religious fliers is illegal

RENO — An evangelical Christian church in Nevada says its First Amendment rights are being violated by a rural school district's ban on promotional fliers the church wants to distribute at a school program with other charitable organizations.

Lawyers for Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley sent a letter to the Lyon County School District this week demanding equal access to the community flier distribution program. They suggest the district east of Reno could face a lawsuit if it fails change current policy they say is "unconstitutional."

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District officials said in a statement provided to The Associated Press on Friday they were caught by surprise by the criticism. They maintain the new policy adopted in July is legal. But they say they have offered to meet with church officials and their lawyers to discuss their concerns.