Information about the rights of students to meet on campus:

• Understanding the Equal Access Act
• Information about the First Amendment: Understanding the First Amendment (1403 downloads)
• Information about free speech
• Hillsborough County Public Schools Guidelines, Policies/Procedures for Faith Based partnerships: Faith-Based Partnership Guidelines (599 downloads)
• Read a letter from First Liberty Law Firm concerning First Priority student-led Christian clubs: Liberty Counsel Letter – First Priority (553 downloads)
• Learn more about a recent challenge to a school district concerning Christian organizations: Freedom Guard responds to ACLU attack on Airline High (578 downloads)
• Teachers’ guide concerning faith: A Teacher’s Guide to Religion in Public Schools (535 downloads)
• Religious Freedom Pamphlet (includes info on teacher hosts and club size mandates): Religious Freedom Pamphlet
• Photo release forms: Photo Release Form (574 downloads)
• First-Priority-Launch-Worksheet. First-Priority-Launch-Worksheet (792 downloads)
• Informed Consent and Release Form for a Minor: Informed Consent and Release Form for a Minor (540 downloads)
• Club Evaluation Form for staff and approved adult volunteers First Priority Club Evaluation Form
• First Priority of America’s Statement of Faith FOA Statement of Faith

First Priority is committed to following the guidelines of the federal Equal Access Act as it relates to students, teachers and visitors. Understanding your role as a faculty sponsor or host of a First Priority meeting is vital.

If First Priority is meeting as a formal club on “club day” or during a “club period” then a Faculty Sponsor is required. If the First Priority meets during a time not designated as a “club day” (before or after school, or during lunch), then the group is meeting informally and may need a faculty member to secure a meeting location or to be present at meetings.

The school administration or district CANNOT mandate the minimum size of the club (for example: require students to have 20 students before approval to meet). This is upheld under the Equal Access Act law click   HERE 

Under the federal Equal Access Act, teachers serve in a “custodial” role. Teachers may help students secure a meeting location, communicate with administration, access school and First Priority resources, and help students maintain the club. However, teachers can NOT participate in or lead the meetings, or pray with students. If you have questions or would like to request a club/group packet, please contact us.

Here are a few resources to help:

U.S. Department of Education: Legal Guidelines Regarding Equal Access:
Legal Guidelines Regarding Equal Access (737 downloads)

A Teacher’s Guide to Religion in Public Schools:
A Teacher’s Guide to Religion in Public Schools (535 downloads)

Understanding the Equal Access Act:
Understanding the Equal Access Act (1327 downloads)

Answers to important questions:
Religious Freedom Pamphlet

To view the Equal Access Act law click    HERE

If you are a youth pastor or youth leader: We would like to partner with you to train your students for campus ministry.

if you would like a First Priority representative to speak to your youth group about how students can reach their campuses for Christ or interview with FP about serving, please contact us.

First Priority adheres to district guidelines for training adult volunteers and resourcing students. All volunteers are required to annually attend training and complete a background check before being considered for service. First time volunteers must also participate in a face-to-face interview with a staff member. Click here to see the diagram for faith based organizations serving on campus: Diagram for serving on campus
Diagram for serving on campus (582 downloads)

Club Evaulation for for staff and approved adult volunteers: First Priority Club Evaluation Form

First Priority of America’s Statement of Faith: FOA Statement of Faith