Christian Students Stand Up Against Religious Intolerance At Snow College

Yesterday I shared with you 2 stories of intolerance towards Christians on American university campuses. I encouraged students and parents to stand up against these policies and to stand up for our constitutional rights. Today I had a story in my email of one such group that is doing so.

Snow College Sued Over Religious Intolerance

The Solid Rock Christian club at Snow College has decided to sue Snow College for violating their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. In a complaint filed Monday in the U.S. District Court, the group complains that Snow College has designated them as a “second tier” which is a status lower than other non-religious groups. This designation is based upon the fact that they are a religious group violating anti-discrimination laws.

This designation prevents the group from reserving campus facilities without charge, advertising on campus, and receiving funding from a portion of the student fees. All of these benefits are given to other groups that are non-religious.

The lawsuit not only names Snow College, but also names the top school administrators, the board of trustees, and the State board of Regents as defendants. Talk about making some people squirm about what is going on! This is the way you fight back! You make those that are responsible, financially at risk for such decisions!

Already the school is backpedaling. According to Scott Wyatt, the President of Snow College has made a statement. On Tuesday, after the lawsuit was filed he is reported to have said the lawsuit may be a result of a misunderstanding. He said that after realizing the impact of the affiliate status on religious clubs, “we undid this.”

Travis Barham, part of the Alliance Defending Freedom legal team is representing the student group. He said. ”By refusing to treat faith-based student organizations the same as other student groups and by excluding religious speech from homecoming events, Snow College officials have ignored this basic principle.”  He further goes on to say, ” But we hope they will quickly do the right thing, respect our clients’ freedoms, and eliminate the need for continuing to pursue this lawsuit.”

Standing up for religious liberties works!

My hat goes off to the young men and women of the Solid Rock Christian club at Snow College. You did not take this lying down. You stood up for what is a basic American freedom and value! It just goes to show you that when you make these policies cost the people who come up with them, they back down. Snow College, it’s administration, and the board of trustees will think twice about engaging in discriminatory policies in the future.

Blessings to all of you!

Pastor Duke