Christian Legal Society v. Eck (University of Montana School of Law)

Summary

On December 17, 2007, the Center filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the University of Montana School of Law's derecognition of the local CLS student chapter on account of its Christian beliefs. The law school's Student Bar Association originally recognized CLS but withdrew recognition due to opposition from law students and faculty and subsequently excluded CLS from student activity funds made available to all other law student organizations.

The SBA's decision, upheld by law school Dean E. Edwin Eck, is in stark contrast to that of the main campus student government, the Associated Students of the University of Montana, which has recognized CLS.

The School of Law refused to respond to requests that it explain the basis of its decision, however, law students and faculty opposed to CLS characterized the chapter's requirement that voting members and leaders refrain from sexual activity outside of marriage as "discrimination."

While CLS requires that voting members and officers to adhere to a Statement of Faith, all are welcome to participate in meetings and events.

The complaint challenges the law school's decision as a violation of CLS' First Amendment rights, including freedom of expressive association, participation in a student activity fee distribution process free of viewpoint discrimination, and free exercise of religion.

Please refer to the documents below for more information and check this page for future updates.

Press Releases

Press Release - December 17, 2007

Litigation Documents

Complaint - December 17, 2007

News & Commentary

The Missoulian, Christian law students sues UM over funding denial - December 18, 2007

Religion Clause, CLS at University of Montana Sues Over School's Refusal to Grant Recognition - December 18, 2007

The Center Blog, Another CLS Chapter Derecognized - This Time at the University of Montana School of Law - December 17, 2007

Missoula Independent, Students bar Christians - October 11, 2007