The Regulation and Rationale
The Department of Education issued a commonsense regulation in 2020 protecting religious student groups. In just two years, it has already proven helpful in protecting religious organizations on many campuses by reminding many universities of the importance of treating religious student organizations as valuable contributors to their campus. It says:
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34 CFR § 76.500(D) “A public institution shall not deny to a religious student organization at the public institution any right, benefit, or privilege that is otherwise afforded to other student organizations at the public institution (including full access to the facilities of the public institution and official recognition of the organization by the public institution) because of the beliefs, practices, policies, speech, membership standards, or leadership standards of the religious student organization.” |
Why Religious Students Need Protection
Religious groups want leaders who believe in and are motivated by authentic personal faith. Religious faith involves more than a set of statements or even intellectual assent. Religious beliefs are communicated and expressed in word and deed. If religious groups are not able to define themselves clearly based upon their particular missions and beliefs, they cease to be a religious group.
When universities misapply their nondiscrimination policies to exclude student groups which consider religious faith in selecting leaders, it uniquely hurts religious groups. Every other student group can expect agreement with their purposes and beliefs when selecting leaders. Advocacy organizations look for student leaders who are passionate advocates for their cause. Athletic groups look for student athletes. Singing groups look for people who can sing in tune.
When universities misapply their nondiscrimination policies to exclude student groups which consider religious faith in selecting leaders, it uniquely hurts religious groups. Every other student group can expect agreement with their purposes and beliefs when selecting leaders. Advocacy organizations look for student leaders who are passionate advocates for their cause. Athletic groups look for student athletes. Singing groups look for people who can sing in tune.
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The core issue: Every student organization wants leaders who embody a combination of knowledge, skills, values, and beliefs that match up with those the group or organization represents. Religious groups are no different. Oddly, universities seem to be violating their own nondiscrimination policies by treating religious groups differently than non-religious groups. |
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. |