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Education

University Allegedly Kicks Christian Club Off Campus Over ‘Non-Discrimination Policy’

Feb. 4, 2013 7:21am Billy Hallowell

Clashes between Christian clubs and college campuses have been heating up across the country, with numerous schools telling evangelical groups that they cannot require their members and leaders be believers. The latest debate is erupting at the University of Michigan, where the college is being accused of booting an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship chapter off campus for requiring its leaders to be Christians.

According to Greg Jao, InterVarsity’s field director, the university gave the Asian chapter of the group two options — either reverse its constitution to be in compliance or leave campus. The problem apparently began last December when group members were brought before officials to discuss a problematic part of the Asian InterVarsity group’s constitution. The document required club leaders to sign a statement affirming their Christian faith — something the university said was a violation of its non-discrimination policy.

University of Michigan Kicks Asian InterVarsity Off Campus Over Non Discrimination Policy

Asian InterVarsity club at the University of Michigan (Photo Credit: Asian InterVarsity/Todd Starnes)

While students were given an option to submit a new constitution that complied with these rules, they decided to refrain from doing so and to stick with their values. From a practical standpoint, it is understandable why a faith-based club would want its leaders to share theological values, something that a statement of faith would ensure.

“The university is sending the message that religious voices are suspect and should be marginalized,” Jao told Fox News’ Todd Starnes. “I think it sends the message that the university does not understand the nature of religious beliefs and the convictions of religious students.”

As a result of its decision to stick to its convictions, the Asian InterVarsity group was de-recognized by the school and forced to relocate off-campus. Jao noted that this isn’t just a Christian problem, as other faiths will also be impacted.

“I can’t imagine the Muslim Student Association saying you don’t have to be a Muslim to help lead our group,” he noted. “I think the university’s decision will impact any religious group that’s being honest about their leadership criteria.”

Asian InterVarsity students during praise and worship (Photo Credit: Asian InterVarsity/Todd Starnes)

When a University of Michigan spokesperson was contacted by Fox News’ Todd Starnes, a statement was released noting that all registered student groups are required to agree to and sign a standard non-discrimination agreement. Additionally, club constitutions must be reviewed. The response also noted that the Asian InterVarsity Christian Fellowship has not complied with these mandates, but did not get into specifics about the debate between the two parties.

The club plans to use the university’s appeals process to overturn the decision. For now, students are meeting in an alternative location.

This is yet another example of a club embroiled in a battle with a prominent university over a non-discrimination policy. Vanderbilt University, Yale and Tufts, among others, have had similar faith-based wars over the same subject.

(H/T: Fox News’ Todd Starnes)

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Comments (114)

crystalsky
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:00am
Why are they picking on the christian groups so if this is about diversity then I can go to my local mosque as a woman and I can Preach to them about Jesus Christ. Not going by there religion but I will be allowed to preach. That is what were going to have to do go to the Mormon church and Scientiology and get up and preach about our LORD Also a gay person can get up in the mosque and ask them to be married even though they don’t believe in there religion or the mormons etc. So if I go to my local Diffrent church and ask as a woman to teach another religion like Jesus Christ and they refuse then are you saying we can sue them.

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- SamIamTwo
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:09am
  So you want to make some money? Sounds like a plan!
  
  Report this comment
- starman70
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:22am
  On American College and University campuses, MARXISM reigns supreme. Christianity is diametrically opposed with Marxism hence, no Christian clubs on campus.
  
  Report this comment
- woodyl1011fl
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:44am
  Michigan is just one example of how American universities are walking the or rise same trail that European universities in the early twentieth century paved the way for the rise of tyranny, oppression, death and war by their hatred for the Lord God Almighty maker of heaven and earth. Our universities no longer educate but but indoctrinate students into a .Godless Marxist worldview
  
  Report this comment
- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:00am
  Your local mosque is not a public university.
  
  Report this comment
- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:01am
  Also, in re: Starman, there ARE Christian clubs at almost every single university, so does your rationale imply they must not be Marxist. Oops.
  
  Report this comment
- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:04am
  @Woody- Yeah, they’re spreading hate by disallowing exclusion from groups based on belief. That would require you to construe inclusion as a hateful motive, which I’m sure you do. Problem is people assume you take strong medication when you argue say like that.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:23am
  lqtm
  
  Having Christian groups on campus does not prove that the university culture is not predominantly Marxist. The flyers & events for leftist groups & which were held at the local YMCA across the street from my alma mater proves that.
  
  A university could very well accept a Jim Wallis type Christian groups & deny other Christian groups. You point is not taken.
  
  Report this comment
- huntinwabbits
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 11:03am
  i expected a little more form you lqtm. you even got two responses to this comment. you can do better right? keep trying.
  
  Report this comment
- SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 11:07am
  Ironic that this is essentially what the university is saying: “you must believe as we do and let people lead you that don’t believe as you or you must leave us.” Are they being exclusionary with those that don’t believe as they do?
  
  Report this comment
- henryKnox
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:00pm
  Some of this doesn’t make sense. If the leaders of a group are elected by the group, how would a non-Christian ever get elected to be a leader of a Christian group in the first place. Therefore, even stating it in the constitution shouldn’t be necessary. However, if the University plans to appoint a leader to an independent organization then that would obviously be Totalitarian and wrong. Also, it is a very good point to check the University association with the Muslim Student Association, a well known radical organization. Is the University afraid to confront the Muslim organization? If so, then they lack any credibility as a University.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Cabrito_Goat
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:44pm
  Kicking them off campus seemed a bit harsh. These young men and women don’t seem like ardent radicals, like SDS for instance.
  
  Report this comment
- Mulder1
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:16pm
  This is another example of the Left’s War on Christians. They despise us. Well, I despise them too.
  
  Report this comment
thibx
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:58am
the nation that forgets God is turned into hell, we are fast getting there.

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- SamIamTwo
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:10am
  Some don’t realize that the flames of hell have been licking the bottom of our feet for over 40 years.
  
  Report this comment
- Eastinfection
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:26am
  SAM U IZ 2…
  
  more like 4,000 years.
  
  Report this comment
- walnutportconservative
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:28am
  Blessed is the Nation who’s God is the Lord! In the Psalms!
  
  Report this comment
- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:07am
  There is a video called “what if I’m wrong” by a user called A5Hellcat on youtube, and he addresses your confusion with patience and tact, which I lack.
  
  Report this comment
- BluesGal4U
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:24pm
  THIBX, those who have chosen to rewrite World History, are making the rest of us who know and understand the Truth, live through the beginning of their undoing. This is prophesied in The Bible. The beauty of it all is that Christ will return for His Bride, The Church. The persecution of Christians is just one more Sign, of many, personnally I am against what is happening, however, the best weapon we, as Christians have is Prayer.
  
  Report this comment
BROBB549
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:56am
Aren’t these Colleges violating their NON DESCRIMINATION POLICY by requiring all students to have a high school education or equivilent? They are descriminating against people who would attend college.

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- repairsea
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:48am
  Yes – they are.
  
  Report this comment
- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:15am
  Oops, your ignorance is showing. There are a specific set of protected classes which have been identified by the Supreme Court to stem from our Constitution (something you probably tell people you believe in). Their protections have been codified into positive law through the following acts, which merely effectuate the protections demanded by the 14th. The Supreme Court is the highest authority on the interpretation of our Constitution. They are far, far more thoughtful in their interpretations that you, who merely interpret based on what you would prefer the answer to be. Here are the classes and their relevant statutes. Thanks Wiki.
  Race – Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1964
  Color – Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1964
  Religion – Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1964
  National origin – Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1964
  Age (40 and over) – Federal: Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
  Sex – Federal: Equal Pay Act of 1963 & Civil Rights Act of 1964
  Familial status – Federal: Civil Rights Act of 1968 Title VIII
  Disability status – Federal: Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Rehabilitation Services of 1973 & Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
  Veteran status – Federal Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974
  Genetic information – Federal: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
  
  Report this comment
- huntinwabbits
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 11:00am
  using big words and wiki in the same comment. that’s a no-no. you got to do better lqtm. keep trying.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Cabrito_Goat
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 1:47pm
  But I thought the 14th amendment was extended only to children of newly-freed slaves…..?
  
  Report this comment
- termyt
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:02pm
  Nice try, lqtm, but the Constitution limits the rights of government, not the people. The government, and by extension, public universities, can not discriminate by religion. By forcing religious groups to accept Government dogma over their religious tenets, it is the university that is violating the law.
  
  Wiki has information, but, alas, it does not come with comprehension.
  
  Report this comment
Sharon Rose
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:55am
What a crock !

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battles
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:50am
if InterVarsity Christian Fellowship would just elect a homosexual pervert Christian into the leadership, all would be well. So where to find such a person? Oh yes! God has condemned that behavior to be extreme wickedness, so it is one of the sins that must be repented of.

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- SamIamTwo
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:13am
  Yeah, let a so called atheist lead a prayer group. LOL.
  
  Report this comment
VetMike
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:47am
Time to push this to its logical end. Someone should bring a lawsuit demanding that every student organization on campus be forced to abide by the same rules. Then a quota should be established so that each student organization has a proportional membership. No more African American this or Asian that. No more LBGT or Dwarf Association.
I guess you just can’t fix stupid.

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- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:19am
  Usually when you push something to its logical end you then begin using logic. Here, however, we see merely a sad attempt to distort logic, and perhaps a total lack of understanding of what the original underlying logic was.
  
  Report this comment
- PoppaJelt
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:57pm
  LQTM: stop trolling… you make arguments in other posts that people can consider and respond. Stop lashing out with no substance in this one.
  
  The Goal of the whole movement to dilute Christianity and religions from the public sector is to separate it completely. People would like to see Christians separate from every group, every school, every office, every government sector because then they could rule without something that contradicts their belief and reasons in their way, then marginalize the group. Suing the school demanding the university to treat all clubs the same way will eventually give into to what those who demonize christianity want. I do not suggest it.
  
  Report this comment
JQCitizen
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:34am
So I have one question:

Does a member of the ASIAN chapter of Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship at LEAST have to be ASIAN?

For “well-educated” heads of a University these people are PRETTY IGNORANT!!!

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- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:30am
  We allow non-black students to join the Black Law Students Association at my law school. There have been no problems because we are reasonable human beings who appreciate all forms of student involvement. Additionally, typecasting by skin color and appearance falls apart when you have biracial parents, which might give rise to students who don’t fit into your petty understanding of racial classes, but who nonetheless identify as asian or another race. Sure it might be strange to consider admitting a non-believer into a christian club, but doesn’t that represent an opportunity for them to learn more about Christianity? There are myriad reasons your comment is silly and I don’t feel like typing them down. Overall, you need to realize and embrace the fact that people are people. How anti-christian is that?
  
  Report this comment
- huntinwabbits
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:59am
  ooo, asking questiongs hoping to provoke thought and a gradual turn to your side. How progressive of you lqtm. That was an ok approach. keep trying.
  
  Report this comment
- termyt
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 2:27pm
  The issue isn’t membership, tqtm. How about applying reason and logic to the point at hand instead of twisting to meet your own devious ends?
  
  The issue is about club leadership, not club membership. Name one successful organization that does not vet its leaders for the qualities it wishes to build its organization on.
  
  I will at least concede the university’s point when there are no prerequisites of scholarship for University President, puts an Amish person in charge of the Electrical Engineering department, a high school drop out in charge of the Education department …
  
  But the University does not even practice what it preaches with its own departments, but it is perfectly happy demanding unqualified people be allow to direct a Christian club.
  
  Report this comment
- PoppaJelt
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:51pm
  LQTM: Its not about not admitting non-believers…its about the leadership of the club. In Jao’s own words in the article.. read it. The problem is the club wants Faith people leading the faith based club required by a simple expression of that faith… but the university is not allowing it due “discrimination”. Its a leadership and member issue tied in unfortunately with law (law that has been skewed over time)… not common sense. you are citing your law association… does your law school accept homeless people as professors to teach law. What about math teachers.. or yoga teachers? Those professors might have to prove somehow that they can teach law… and sign an agreement perhaps… makes sense? Its not a race issue – its a religious practice issue… one where a government is trying to dilute the efficacy of a religion and its ability to practice freely what it wants and making requirements of what it wants. The government (or those people who are a part of the government that do not like to see Christianity in any way affecting their government) using the “law” to attack it.
  
  Report this comment
walnutportconservative
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:30am
University?
Unity in diversity?
This will be corrected, they just made a knee jerk reaction. We live in confusing times… especially in the “University”

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poorrichard09
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:27am
Perfect example of the intolerance of the “tolerant” left!

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- huntinwabbits
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:58am
  it happens a lot to people like you. don’t worry. keep trying.
  
  Report this comment
mrunner
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:25am
No longer are you allowed to yell “Go Blue!” at The Big House as it may offend some of the color blind. Political correctness that has extended well beyond silly into the realm of insanity…

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vaman
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:22am
I remember an article not too long ago about a christian school that required the teachers to be christian and all of the blazers agreed because those are the rules of that school. Same deal here. If you don’t the rules of that school, change schools, change your club rules. Being christian does not make you special.

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- Ollie123
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:34am
  ..and leaving your core beliefs at the doorstep, is not except able to a true Christian believer. You don’t think the University would look the other way if a Christian wanted to be leader over a Muslim group do you? Never would happen.
  
  Report this comment
- ThoreauHD
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:46am
  Let me try to educate you on the foundation of this Country. That has to do with property Rights. Private schools can kick people out if they are not part of the program. A Hassidic Jew going into a Madrassa and saying he wants to be a Jew won’t fly.
  
  But this is a PUBLIC University, which the Christians are also paying for via taxes. Which means that they do not have the Right to discriminate against them, or anyone else. They can not kick them off campus, because they are paying for it. Savvy?
  
  Report this comment
- Eastinfection
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:48am
  VAMAN.. the difference is that this is a public school and people have rights of speech, worship, assembly, etc…. The private school you referenced is essentially a private club- that can make it’s own rules. Public Schools can’t regulate private clubs beyond illegal activity. If they did, campuses wouldn’t have chapters of NAACP, ROTC, fraternities, sororities, etc.
  
  Report this comment
- SamIamTwo
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 9:12am
  Yeah, eat Melba toast dood. Water it down, eh? I think we’ve done enuff of that in our society and we see what it causes.
  
  Report this comment
- dodgedart1966
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:14am
  VAMAN, did you read the article? No one has a problem with the club. The problem is the school requiring a club to allow members who don’t fit in the club. And I’m sure that an all-girls club would not be required to allow me, a man, as a member.
  What’s the difference?
  
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- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:36am
  I’ve studied property law for a long time now, and you have not, Vaman. You shouldn’t tell people you’re about to educate them and then misinform them.
  
  Report this comment
- huntinwabbits
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:57am
  mmm show credentials. thats a better try lqtm. keep going.
  
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Eastinfection
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:19am
I’m sure the ACLU is marching right over there to correct this injustice ASAP!!!… right?

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- old white guy
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:28am
  the aclu would only be there if were muslims.
  
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- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:39am
  As a civil liberties organization, they are likely aware of the situation and weighing the costs and potential benefits of litigation as well as sub-legal administrative remedies. So what? There’s a real world out there, a world which apparently you have only a vague, spiteful appreciation for. Keep that up and let me know how it works for you.
  
  Report this comment
- huntinwabbits
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:56am
  it’s getting better lqtm
  
  Report this comment
- Eastinfection
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 4:30pm
  LQTM…
  
  ———> “There’s a real world out there, a world which apparently you have only a vague, spiteful appreciation for. Keep that up and let me know how it works for you.”
  
  There’s this thing called “sarcasm” out there, too. You should familiarize yourself with the concept less you become known as the “guy who doesn’t get it”… or worse yet, the punchline.
  
  Report this comment
huntinwabbits
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:11am
As a Buckeye, I didn’t NEED anymore reasons to hate m*ch*gan but I will surely add this to my list. (Though I wouldn’t be shocked to hear this going on at any public university sadly)

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- lqtm
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:41am
  Yeah, you do strike me as being on par with the bovine intellect.
- huntinwabbits
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 10:56am
  you’re trying to hard lqtm
  
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huntinwabbits
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 8:06am
Can you imagine the horror of a Christian leading a Christian group? I know I was furious when my church refused to interview a hindu priest, who wanted to sacrifice my dog, for the senior pastor position. What is this world coming to? Why is there even a debate? To think that Christian’s deserve the same freedoms and benefits as the muslim’s and hindi’s and every other group is just obsurd! How dare those Asians be so bold as to suggest that the leader of their Christian group has to be Christian! What sense would that make!?!?

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- LetThereBeLight
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 12:16pm
  Persecution doesn’t have to make sense. It never bases it’s actions on logic, just down-right hate! The enemy’s #1 job is to KILL, STEAL and DESTROY! We have to remember we WILL be persecuted but to not be offended for Jesus’ sake! He will right the wrongs! He says vengence is His! This I believe! But we can fight for our rights, just not allow it to be an offense.
  
  Report this comment
lgccac
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:59am
Mat_10:33 “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”

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momrules
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:55am
Arrgghhh! Enough already. Stop it, stop it now!

Well, it worked with my kids.

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ComingUnglued
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:52am
Has Harvard voiced there opinion yet. Their motto as stated in the Crest at the front gate is Christ, Church, Truth. Someone must have thought the motto relevant. Get rid of these progressive heads and bring back common sense.

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Lonescrapper
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:52am
Wait… it’s an ASIAN chapter of a Christian group, but they said the CHRISTIAN part of the requirements were Discriminatory???? HOW MYOPIC IS THAT??@#(#?

http://www.noellecampbell.com

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yougottabekidding
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:47am
SO what part of this is discrimination against a religious organization do we not understand?

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lonwarner2
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:42am
They should transfer to Liberty University!

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DZ-015
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:41am
Doesn’t Michigan have a relatively high number of Muslim residents? Next, the universities there will be demanding quotas of Muslims (and atheists) in all Christian groups on campus.

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biohazard23
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:38am
But muslim groups would be forced to admit Jews and Christians, gays and lesbians as members and leaders?

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ares338
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:33am
So if a Muslim club said they would not allow non Christians in their club, the university would as they say….DE-RECOGNIZE them?

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Gonzo
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:32am
Common sense is dead in American universities…and many other places as well.

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thetruthlives
Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:23am
the tolerant LEFT…..what a Joke!

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- phil1765
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:40am
  Make no mistake the war against christian beliefs in being waged in earnest. Our country is dead, we just haven’t figured it out yet.
  
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- yougottabekidding
  Posted on February 4, 2013 at 7:49am
  phil1765
  
  And the reason they want our guns is?
  
  Report this comment

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