CLRF Files Appeals Court Brief for Colorado Christian University
The Center for Law and Religious Freedom has submitted an opening brief to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver in Colorado Christian University v. Colorado Commission on Higher Education. CLRF filed the lawsuit against CCHE officials back in 2004, challenging the agency's exclusion of CCU students from a series of state-funded college tuition grants for Colorado students. Although the CCHE acknowledged that CCU "meets all academic accreditation and financial criteria," the University was not "approved" because it was deemed to be "pervasively sectarian" - in other words, "too religious." The federal district court in Denver held that Colorado did not violate the constitutional rights of CCU and its students by singling it out for exclusion, in spite of the fact that CCU students obtain degrees in general liberal arts and science fields and go on to work in a variety of secular occupations - including positions in state government.
CLRF's brief argues that Colorado's actions violate the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses of the First Amendment because "Colorado denies some students state aid solely because of the religious character of the university they choose." Joining CLRF in advancing this position are the U.S. Department of Justice, the Center for Academic Freedom of the Alliance Defense Fund and the American Center for Law & Justice, who have filed "friend of the court" briefs supporting CCU's position. CLRF's brief to the Tenth Circuit can be viewed at www .clsnet.org.
Building Support on Capitol Hill for Faith-Based Organizations
CLRF Senior Counsel Steven H. Aden briefed congressional staff and faith-based organizations on the legal aspects of the Faith-Based Initiative at the House of Representatives on September 7th. The briefing session was sponsored by the Center for Public Justice to promote policy that supports faith- based community services. In addition to Stanley W. Carlson-Thies of the Center for Public Justice, speakers included representatives from the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the office of Republican Leader John Boehner, the Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools, and the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
2007 CLS National Conference
We hope to see you at the Christian Legal Society National Conference. It will be a great weekend of fellowship, learning and fun. CLE credit will be available for seminars addressing religious liberty and the sanctity of life.
November 1-4, 2007
Hilton Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort
Destin, Florida
Click here for more information
The Center for Law & Religious Freedom is the advocacy ministry of the Christian Legal Society, which is the professional association founded in 1961 of Christian attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and friends throughout the United States.
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