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Three small Christian schools continue battle against Jefferson County Public Health in court

Missing Gavel
Posted at 10:27 PM, Sep 22, 2021
and last updated 2021-09-23 18:34:16-04

DENVER — The attorneys of three small Christian schools in Jefferson County continued their fight in court against Jefferson County Public Health Wednesday.

JCPH filed a suit against Augustine Classical Academy, Faith Christian Academy and Beth Eden Baptist School earlier in September, claiming all three schools violated public health mask mandates and did not comply with JCPH health inspections of their campuses in some instances.

All three schools claim to be following all health orders by the JCPH and assert that guidance came late, often changed and were unconstitutional in some cases.

On Wednesday, school attorneys questioned the procedures, intent and competence of a JCPH health inspector, while JCPH attorneys questioned Andrew Hasz, a superintendent at Faith Christian Academy regarding the school's compliance to health orders and their contingency plans throughout the pandemic.

Augustine Classical Academy issued a statement to Denver7 Wednesday which read, in part:

"ACA was suprised by this complaint based on the fact that JCPH inspectors were escorted into the facility to investigate complaints and those inspectors clearly indicated that ACA was found to be in compliance with the public health order, as mentioned in the complaint. Inspectors verbally confirmed our compliance. JCPH’s complaint indicates a delay in allowing inspectors into the campus, which is based on standard protocol as a locked campus. Therefore, a slight delay while administrators determine the visitor’s identity and safety is reasonable to keep our students safe."

A spokesperson for Faith Christian Academy sent a statement Thursday calling the allegations against the school "demonstrably false."

"In particular, JCPH alleges FCA has not complied with the current public health orders, but that is not true," the school said. "FCA has and will continue to comply with those orders, even though some experts believe they were not lawfully entered."

A decision was not made Wednesday. Court proceedings resume Thursday at 8:30 a.m.