KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Editor's Note: WBIR first said that Wilboreforce Academy of Knoxville applied and was denied from becoming a charter school. Wilboreforce Academy has only sent a letter of intent to become a charter school, and no application has been sent.

The Wilboreforce Academy of Knoxville, a possible Christian charter school, has sued the Knox County Board of Education, citing First Amendment violations.

In the lawsuit, the Wilberforce Academy of Knoxville said it submitted a letter to the BOE of intent to open a charter school in the Cedar Bluff area in 2027.

In the letter of intent, the academy said it intends to operate as a Christian school. However, Wilberforce Academy said it can't take the next step of applying because of state law.

In Tennessee, charter schools are req

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