Ramya Sinha has been named the recipient of Americans United’s David Norr Youth Activist Award for 2022. Sinha’s outspoken support of AU and its client in the Tucker v. Faith Bible Chapel has been instrumental in shining a light on discrimination. The Youth Activist Award is named in honor of the late David Norr, who staunchly backed the principle of church-state separation and generously supported Americans United for more than 25 years.
Sinha stirred up some good trouble at her school, the Faith Christian Academy. She was an outspoken supporter of Gregg Tucker, an exemplary teacher at the school who was fired when he tried to combat the extensive racism his family and many Black, Hispanic and Asian students faced there. Tucker sued, with AU representing him alongside the Denver law firm Levin Sitcoff Waneka PC.
Sinha publicly condemned the racism at Faith Christian Academy. She and her mom, with the assistance of a small handful of trusted activists, helped organize support for Gregg when things were at their worst. She went on to become president of the Black Student Union at Chapman University, where she helped develop an action plan for the university to implement more anti-racist initiatives and more resources to support BIPOC students. When AU notched another win in the case, Ramya spoke out again in support. “I have so much joy hearing this news,” she told the Arvada Press, “For decades so many people have been harmed by Faith Christian Academy and they need to know that their oppressive and harmful actions will be met with consequences.”
“We are so pleased to honor this courageous young individual who is fighting for racial justice, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state—three ideals that depend on each other.” said AU President and CEO Rachel Laser. “AU knows it’s crucial for our movement to train, equip, and learn from the next generation of leaders—to play the long game. But it’s also important that we honor their courage. We’re proud to present Ramya with this award.”
The awards ceremony will take place July 21 during a 75th Anniversary celebration of Americans United in Washington, D.C.
Americans United is a religious freedom advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, AU educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.
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