Here's How

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*The deadline for comments is March 24, 2023.
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1. Go to www.regulations.gov/document/ED-2022-OPE-0157-0001.​  (You are at the right place if the title is “Direct Grant Programs, State-Administered Formula Grant Programs Proposed Rule,” and the ID No. is ED-2022-OPE-0157-0001.)

​2. In the upper left of the page, press Comment Now.

​3. We recommend writing your comment in a separate place and then pasting it into the comment field. (See our sample letter below). Paste Docket ID ED-2022-OPE-0157-0001 at the top. Add your name. (This will be public on the website.)
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4. You do not have to check any boxes regarding contact information or a third party but choose your category "based on who are" (e.g., student, parent, individual).
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5. Hit continue to go to the next page.

6. Check the small box indicating that you have read and understand the statement.

7. Hit submit comment.

*The deadline for comments is March 24, 2023.

1. Go to www.regulations.gov/document/ED-2022-OPE-0157-0001.​  (You are at the right place if the title is “Direct Grant Programs, State-Administered Formula Grant Programs Proposed Rule,” and the ID No. is ED-2022-OPE-0157-0001.)

2. In the bottom of the page, press “Comment Now.”

​3. We recommend writing your comment in a separate place and then pasting it into the comment field. (See our sample letter below). Paste Docket ID ED-2022-OPE-0157-0001 at the top. Add your name. (This will be public on the website.)
​
4. You do not have to check any boxes regarding contact information or a third party but choose your category "based on who are" (e.g., student, parent, individual).
​

5. Hit continue to go to the next page.

6. Check the small box indicating that you have read and understand the statement.

7. Hit submit comment.

Sample Letter

(Use your own words, if possible)

​Docket ID ___ED-2022-OPE-0157-0001______.

My name is ______ , and I respectfully ask that the Department of Education keep the current regulation protecting religious student organizations without any changes to its language. I am concerned that the proposal to strike the language in CFR Sections 75.500 and 75.600 eliminates language that ensures religious student organizations will be treated fairly and will be allowed to flourish at public college and universities. I believe that religious student organizations add greatly to university communities and should be protected.

I (am/was) part of (name of your campus group) at (your university). Being part of this authentic faith community enriched my college experience. My faith community provided me with (describe how your faith community helped you and why it was important to you for the community to be on campus). Our group is not political and just wishes to be a place for people to connect, explore, and live out our religious beliefs. We also love to serve our campus and community. (Give an example of campus or community service your group participated in if you can.)
 
It was very important to me that my faith community was led by student leaders who embraced our faith tradition. (Give an example of how a student leader of your faith community inspired or encouraged you in your religious faith or practice.) Having leaders who embodied our faith was important on campus where religious identities are rarely affirmed.

Religious expression still needs protection. When students can form authentic faith communities and express their faith, it adds to the diversity of college campuses and improves our communities. By changing the current regulation, the federal government would send the wrong message to religious student groups that they are not a valued presence on college campuses.
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​Because of my concerns, I respectfully request that before changing this regulation, the Department investigates how often religious student groups have been derecognized or refused funding by public universities and colleges (including by student government bodies) over the past 20 years.

Sincerely,
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[Your name]

​[More ideas for possible comment language here.]

You can make a difference.

Join thousands of people who are helping religious student organizations around the country reflect their religious faith with integrity. 

​*The deadline for comments is March 24, 2023.