Center Files Brief in Pledge Case
The CLS Center for Law & Religious Freedom filed a friend of the Court brief in Newdow v. Elk Grove Unified School
District, a case in which the Court may determine the constitutionality of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of
Allegiance. The brief argues that the phrase does not violate the Establishment Clause. It argues that it is
permissible for the government to reiterate the Declaration of Independence's assertion that the source of our rights --
including the right to religious liberty -- is God.
Center Challenges Exclusion of Christian Group at University of North Dakota
On December 17, the Center sent a letter to the University of North Dakota requesting that it cease its discrimination
against the school's chapter of the Christian Medical & Dental Association. The University has denied the chapter
official recognition and attendant benefits such as funding and access to communications media. The University denied
recognition on the ground that the chapter requires its members and officers to profess faith in Christ. The University
has indicated that the chapter is violating the University's policy banning religious and sexual orientation
discrimination by student groups.
University of Oklahoma Pledges to Respect Religious Liberty
In response to controversy involving the CLS chapter at the University of Oklahoma School of Law, the University has
indicated it intends to permanently recognize the chapter and amend its non-discrimination policy to respect religious
liberty. The chapter was told its statement of faith and officership requirements violated the University's
non-discrimination policy. After the Center communicated with University officials, the University provisionally
recognized the chapter. The University has now indicated it will amend its non-discrimination policy in the spring, and
the new version of the policy will appear in next year's student organization manual.
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