KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The U.S. Justice Department said Friday it’s on the side of Michigan faith-based schools that are challenging the state’s ban on in-person classes in high schools. The department's Civil Rights Division filed an argument in favor of three Catholic high schools and the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools. “The state has failed to make any provision for consideration of the religious need of plaintiffs for in-person religious education which they sincerely believe cannot be done remotely,” the Justice Department said. A three-week ban on in-person classes at high schools and colleges was extended this week through Dec. 20. Indoor restaurant dining is also prohibited, along with high school sports, group fitness classes and trips to theaters and casinos.