CLS CHAPTER WINS RECOGNITION WITHOUT COMPROMISING ITS RELIGIOUS IDENTITY
On May 4, 2004, the University of Iowa agreed to recognize the CLS chapter at the University of Iowa College of Law
while allowing it to retain its religious identity.
The CLS chapter sought recognition from the University for the 2003 – 2004 academic year. If recognized, the CLS
chapter would receive funding from the University and access to official University activities, among other privileges.
In November, 2003, the University’s Office of Student Life rejected for a third time the Recognition Form the CLS chapter
had submitted because the chapter would not include certain language reflecting the University’s Membership Clause in its
constitution.
The Center for Law and Religious Freedom intervened, arguing that the University’s decision to deny recognition
violated the CLS chapter’s First Amendment rights, which protect a religious student organization’s ability to define its
identity and mission through its membership and leadership qualifications.
Press Release
UVA DENIES CHRISTIAN GROUP’S APPEAL OF DENIAL OF FUNDING
The University of Virginia denied for a second time Agape Christian Fellowship’s request for funding to attend a
national conference.
Agape, an affiliate of Campus Crusade for Christ, sought funding for bus fare and lodging costs associated with Campus
Crusade’s national conference called “Big Break”. The University’s Student Counsel denied Agape’s initial request for
funding on the grounds that the conference was too religious and social in nature.
Agape, with assistance from Center attorney Steven H. Aden, appealed the University’s decision to the Student
Activities Committee. In the appeal, Agape explained the conference is not merely a social event. It is a training
conference to equip members to disseminate the organization’s expressive message through theoretical education and hands
on experience. Agape additionally asserted the University’s decision to deny funding on religious grounds violated the
First Amendment’s viewpoint neutrality guarantee.
On May 3, 2004, the Student Activities Committee (SAC) voted to uphold the Student Counsel’s decision. The SAC denied
Agape’s appeal solely on ground that Big Break was too social, indicating the University’s funding guidelines prohibit it
from funding “social entertainment or related expenses.” The SAC did not deal with the issue of religion; it indicated
it was not necessary to address Agape’s allegations of religious discrimination.
Center attorneys are evaluating Agape’s legal options, and we will keep you updated on this situation.
PENN STATE REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE CHRISTIAN GROUP
Pennsylvania State University refused to grant DiscipleMakers status as a registered student organization in 2003 and
2004 because it claims the group does not satisfy the University’s “uniqueness” requirement.
The University’s “uniqueness” rule requires all student organizations seeking registered status to have a purpose and
function that is different from all currently registered student organizations. Although DiscipleMakers, a Pennsylvania
Evangelical Christian organization, is a distinct Christian organization that focuses on discipleship through one-to-one
relationships, the University’s Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs ruled otherwise.
Apart from the issue of “uniqueness” is the University’s discriminatory treatment of religious student organizations.
Most student groups submit their registration applications directly to the Undergraduate Student Government Supreme Court
for approval. Religious organizations, however, have an additional obstacle. They must first receive approval from the
Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs.
Center attorneys will send a demand letter to the University in the near future challenging the constitutionality of
the University’s procedure for registering student organizations and specifically their failure to grant DiscipleMakers
status as a registered student organization.
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