University of Iowa Campus Ministry Upheld in Federal Court

gordon.govier@intervarsity.org — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:13:23 +0000

University of Iowa Campus Ministry Upheld in Federal Court

(Madison, WI)–An Iowa federal judge has ruled that the University of Iowa and its officers violated the law when they kicked ��ñ�� off campus for asking its leaders to be Christian. A dozen other religious groups—including Sikhs, Muslims, and Latter-day Saints—were also kicked off campus for requiring their leaders to share their faith. But all secular groups and a few religious groups favored by the University got a pass.

In a ruling on September 27, 2019, the court held that this discrimination was so egregious that the officers involved would be personally accountable for any money ��ñ�� lost fighting to stay on campus. The court left open the possibility that the University’s president, Bruce Harreld, could also be found liable.

��ñ�� has been at the University of Iowa for over 25 years. It welcomes all students as members, and only requires the students who lead its ministry affirm its faith. In the past, the University has honored ��ñ�� for its contributions to campus life. But in June 2018, the University claimed that, by requiring leaders to affirm their faith, ��ñ�� was violating the University’s nondiscrimination policy.

The University then limited ��ñ��’s access to campus, froze its bank account, shut down its website, and advertised that it was “defunct” for lack of student interest. As a result, ��ñ�� suffered its sharpest membership decline in over twenty years. The federal court’s ruling confirmed that the University’s actions violated the Constitution and ordered the University to respect ��ñ��’s right to select religious leaders going forward.

“We must have leaders who share our faith,” said Greg Jao, ��ñ��’s Director of External Relations. “No group—religious or secular—could survive with leaders who reject its values. We’re grateful the court has stopped the University’s religious discrimination, and we look forward to continuing our ministry on campus for years to come.”

��ñ�� USA is on 772 campuses nationwide. Its University of Iowa chapter hosts weekly Bible studies and monthly meetings for prayer, worship, and religious discussions on current issues.

In upholding the group’s right to be on campus, the court noted that, just last January—in the related case of BLinC v. University of Iowa—it already warned the University against enforcing its policy unevenly. The court stated it “would never have expected the University to respond to that order by homing in on religious groups[]” like ��ñ��, while “carving out explicit exemptions for other groups. But here we are.” The court did “not know how a reasonable person could have concluded this was acceptable,” since it “plainly” doubled down on the exact same conduct the court had already held unlawful. In a hearing last week, the court described the University’s conduct as “ludicrous” and “incredibly baffling.”

��ñ�� was represented in this case by the Becket law firm. For more information or to arrange an interview with a Becket attorney, contact Ryan Colby at media@becketlaw.org or 202-349-7219.

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Court Allows ��ñ��’s Case Against Wayne State to go Forward

gordon.govier@intervarsity.org — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 20:18:43 +0000

Press Room

Court Allows ��ñ��’s Case Against Wayne State to go Forward

(Madison) -- ��ñ��’s religious discrimination case against Wayne State University must be allowed to proceed, a Michigan federal judge has ruled. Becket law firm, which represents ��ñ��, has the announcement on their website.

��ñ�� filed legal action in order to protect the rights of our chapter to be treated the same as other groups on campus, a constitutionally protected religious freedom.

Classes resumed on August 28 and our chapter is meeting. ��ñ�� was temporarily allowed back on campus after the initiation of litigation and now seeks to make that status permanent. The university continues to argue that it has the flexibility to kick ��ñ�� back off campus at any time. Oral arguments were heard on July 10, 2019, and now, following the judge’s ruling, the next step is a status conference before the judge on October 15.

Wayne State is one of 772 campuses where we currently have chapters, 1,119 chapters in all. Students at Wayne State, like students everywhere these days, are fighting loneliness and alienation. We feel students and faculty on every campus should have a community of believers who share the hope-giving message of the Gospel. That’s why we have embarked on our 2030 Calling, to partner with other ministries, churches, alumni, and volunteers to reach every US campus.

For more information or to arrange an interview with a Becket attorney, contact Ryan Colby at media@becketlaw.org or 202-349-7219.

Detroit News: Judge lets Christian group pursue suit against WSU
Detroit Free Press: Christian group's lawsuit against Wayne State University can move forward

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University of Iowa Campus Ministry Upheld in Federal Court

University of Iowa Campus Ministry Upheld in Federal Court

Court Allows ��ñ����’s Case Against Wayne State to go Forward

Court Allows ��ñ����’s Case Against Wayne State to go Forward

Court Allows ��ñ��’s Case Against Wayne State to go Forward

Court Allows ��ñ��’s Case Against Wayne State to go Forward