The lawsuit also argues that hosting games furthers Edgewood’s “religious mission” by helping students develop discipline, moral standards, character and unity. By restricting these games, the complaint alleges the city of Madison imposed a “substantial burden” on Edgewood students’ religious exercise, which it states is a violation of federal law.

Edgewood also claims the city has discriminated against the school by not giving it an electrical permit to install outdoor lights on its field in a timely manner. According to the complaint, Edgewood’s lighting application was found to be in compliance with the city’s lighting and zoning ordinances, and was approved earlier this year, but the school has still not received its permit.

City Attorney Michael May said the city does not believe it has violated Edgewood’s religious rights.

“It is disappointing that Edgewood chose the route of a lawsuit rather than following the City’s zoning process as other landowners do,” May said.

In its statement, Edgewood said it filed the lawsuit when it did because it wanted to “preserve its ability to challenge the Zoning Board of Appeals decision” that was made in July. The school needed to appeal within 30 days of when that decision was filed, according to the lawsuit.