NJSBF.org - National Mock Trial Organization Revises Policy to Permit Religious Accommodations Championed by Foundation for Decade -- Foundation to Return to National High School Mock Trial Championship

National Mock Trial Organization Revises Policy to Permit Religious Accommodations Championed by Foundation for Decade -- Foundation to Return to National High School Mock Trial Championship

NATIONAL MOCK TRIAL ORGANIZATION REVISES POLICY TO PERMIT RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS; BAR FOUNDATION LONG CHAMPIONED CHANGE -

UPDATE: FOUNDATION TO RETURN TO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ--After a decade of pressure from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, the creation of a rival competition and other legal action, the National High School Mock Trial Championship announced it would now accommodate teams with weekend religious obligations who request that accommodation.

Starting with the 2010 tournament, the national organization will permit scheduling modifications so that teams can take part in the entire tournament, even if students have religious conflicts. The 25-year-old annual national championship competition traditionally held its tournament over a Friday and Saturday.

State Bar Foundation President Richard Badolato applauded the news. Four years ago, the Foundation's board of trustees voted unanimously to withdraw from the competition over the refusal to accommodate the needs of religious students. Instead, the Foundation joined with the North Carolina Advocates for Justice to establish the American Mock Trial Invitational, which holds its tournaments on weekdays.

As a result of the changed policy, Foundation officials have voted unanimously to return to the National High School Mock Trial Championship, to be held in Philadelphia May 6-8, 2010. The Foundation's American Mock Trial Invitational, created in the spirit of inclusion as an alternative to the NHSMTC, will not be held.

"We are very pleased that the board of the national competition has done an about-face on an issue that never should have become one in the first place," Badolato said. "In an increasingly diverse society, this was always a matter of fairness. Our position has been vindicated."

Added Angela Scheck, executive director of the New Jersey State Bar Association and Foundation: "The mock trial program teaches high school students about law and justice. As an organization we are committed to inclusion and fought for many years for this accommodation. We are pleased that finally students of all faiths will have a chance to take part in future competitions."

Founded in 1958, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation is the educational and philanthropic arm of the New Jersey State Bar Association. The Bar Foundation's mission is to promote public understanding of the law through a free, comprehensive public education program. Among its activities, the Foundation conducts seminars and conflict resolution training, publishes materials, operates a videotape loan library and speakers bureau, and coordinates elementary, middle and high school mock trial competitions. For more information about its programs and publications, visit online at www.njsbf.org or call 1-800-FREE-LAW.