Faith

UNC Reverses Ruling: Christian Group Can Be Considered a Religious Organization

Since the 2010 Supreme Court case Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, American universities have been struggling to find a balance between religious organizations on campus, and their nondiscrimination policies.

UNC Reverses Ruling: Christian Group Can Be Considered a Religious Organization

U.S. Supreme Court

The court case upheld, against a First Amendment challenge, that University of California campus groups must accept all students, regardless of their status or beliefs, in order to obtain school recognition (and therefore funding and access to school facilities).  The precedent has led to struggles across the country, from Vanderbilt to UNC, where religious campus organizations have insisted that their members or leaders maintain particular religious beliefs.

In the words of Joshua Charles, who co-authored “The Original Argument” with Glenn Beck, “It seems difficult to imagine a scenario in which any religious group could, without any infringement whatsoever, worship and practice freely if they cannot even make decisions on their own membership or leadership…Groups are formed in order to advance causes, ideals, or something of the sort. But if the integrity of that group cannot be maintained, then neither can the causes or ideals for which it was founded in the first place.”

Below, watch Charles discuss his opinion about the issues associated with this scenario:

The most recent news on the controversy may give some hope to those who find the struggle absurd.

Roughly a year ago, UNC-Greensboro determined that the pro-abstinence, anti-abortion Christian organization “Make Up Your Own Mind” didn’t qualify as a religious organization, and “therefore must allow students of other religions and belief systems to become leaders and members as a condition to being a recognized group.”

Unlike the University of California, UNC-Greensboro has an exception for both political and religious groups, allowing them to make certain beliefs a condition of joining.  This means that, while at the University of California, an atheist must be eligible to be the leader of a Christian campus organization, if UNC-Greensboro has recognized the organization as religious, it has much more control over such matters.

“Make Up Your Own Mind,” specifically wanted group members to adhere to a Christian statement of faith, but since the university classified them as “not religious,” they were unable to do this.

In early March, the Christian legal group “Alliance Defense Fund” stepped in to file a suit on behalf of the Christian organization.  “Saying that a Christian club isn’t religious is flatly absurd,” Legal Counsel Jeremy Tedesco declared.

UNC Reverses Ruling: Christian Group Can Be Considered a Religious Organization

Photo: UNC Greensboro

Now, UNC-Greensboro is revising its earlier ruling.

“We have apologized to (the group) for the delay in determining their status and notified them that we are granting the organization recognition,” university spokeswoman Helen Dennison Hebert wrote in an email Tuesday.

Though members are appreciative that they are now classified as a religious group on campus, the Alliance Defense Fund’s Jeremy Tedesco reminded, “The critical thing is that the policies allow [universities] to second-guess a religious group’s claims about being religious.”

Though the university has amended its stance this time, the underlying issue is far from resolved.  There is still a precedent for challenging religious organizations on campus, and not everyone will have the resources and patience to battle a university for such a long period of time.

Comments (37)

  • iStutter
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 10:00am

    I’ve never commented before, simply because somebody will post what I want to say before I do.

    That being said, I work for UNCG (and as a Conservative get into lots of fights with my co-workers, thanks to Glenn I always win too) but the unofficial word is that the group simply did not fill out their paperwork correctly.

    Report Post » iStutter  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 7:12pm

    UNC has become absurb……

    Report Post »  
  • tarm778
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 5:52pm

    Support the ADF and what they do in trying to rebuke the left’s attack upon our God-given freedoms and rights.
    They deserve our prayers and thanks.
    http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/

    Report Post » tarm778  
  • SpeckledPup
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 5:04pm

    tell ya what, our kids Christian Club will never have a muslim member, period.

    Report Post »  
  • APPAULED
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 4:47pm

    There are as many Christians that are Democrat as there are Christians that are Republican. There are extremist from both sides as well. I think that extremists in general are a bad thing and creates a hostile environment. Example: Osama Bin Laden. Then you have to question rather they are truley religious or are using religion to gain support. Mostly they use religion to gain support and then committ atrocities that would lead one to believe that don’t believe in any god of any kind. To me being a Christian means that we have chosen to believe in the Bible and most importantly in God. We use the values set forth in the Bible to guide our our lives in the right direction. We practice the Bibles teachings to the best of our ability. This is where I run into trouble. Anyone can claim to be a Christian but to me if they say they are Christian but their actions tell me something else I deem them at least in my mind to not really be a True Christian. I have problems believing that a True Christian would initiate a war and use Nuclear War Heads to destroy innocent citizens (men woman and children) and that includes their future children when we are talking about Nuclear war heads because of the toxins that are used and spread throughout the world by wind flow. Is it necessary to use Nuclear war heads as opposed to just bombs? Why must we target anyone upwind/downwind which means we here in the Us get a dose of the toxins as well eventually. To me a true christian would not do it

    Report Post »  
    • hi
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 5:01pm

      You missed the most important part of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ. One must believe Christ, son of God, died on the cross to take away our sins and one must ask Jesus into his heart .

      If one denies God’s son, they deny God.

      Report Post » hi  
  • Lumbar Spine
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:49pm

    I thought people were supposed to go to college to study and learn…

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:58pm

      I thought this when I went to college too. That’s probably 1/3 of what college is. The rest is learning effective work and life skills (time/budget management, effective work habits, etc) and making connections. The connections aspect is probably the most important part, unless you’re in a technical field… then classes are likely a bit more important. But connections are made not only in classes; clubs and organizations, faculty relationships and fraternities are also of great importance. I’m not talking about partying here; I’m talking about creating bonds and relationships that will help you network after graduation. Every job I’ve received since graduation has been due to connections I made while at school.

      If someone goes into higher education only to learn their major, they are missing out on most of the benefits of the experience.

      Report Post »  
    • deeberj
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 4:20pm

      Did you ever go? It looks to me like it’s time to go drink yourself stupid as much as possible and go against all the morality your parents taught you.

      Report Post » deeberj  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:46pm

    Religion can be the enemy or can used in the hand of an enemy – beautiful outlaw.

    Report Post »  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:39pm

    Does this much scrutiny go into communist organizations?

    >Or is that –just– considered socalizing ? {|8^{}

    Report Post » spirited  
  • Charybdis
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:23pm

    A Christian group is deemed to be religious? What a novel idea! This struggle, of course, wasn’t helped by the viral Bethke “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” vid, which declared that being a Christian means that you have to hate all “religion”. So the definitive separation of the two concepts has been introduced by the those who claim to have the inside track on what it means to be a Christian and those who clicked “Like” after watching it.

    “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:47pm

      I liked Bethke’s message, actually. I think religion has done good for the world overall, but religious zealots of all stripes have done evil as well. Hardly anyone simply reading the Bible, or at least the New Testament, will come away with the idea that Jesus wants hate and persecution or threatens an eternity of firey torment. But some churches will say just that. Again, not limited only to Christianity, but I often find self-taught Christians much more Christ-like than the every-Sunday-fire-and-brimstone types.

      Neither here nor there on the article though. Christian organizations will necessarily (and accurately) be called religious simply because of the definition of what a religious organization is. Good for UNC for defying the SCotUS… but it remains to be seen if this fight is over or if some jilted student will take it to the courts.

      Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:19pm

    I agree with Gonzo. He is limiting access to gasoline which makes the citizens less mobile and they can be controled easier. Higher fuel prices means higher food prices. When a people spend all of their money for fuel and food they have none left for extra things. Things like CD;s, appliances, movies, new TV;s and new radios. These things are made by someone and the buying power of Americans become so affected that the extra things are not bought. THis destroys jobs. He is systematically taking down the country.

    Report Post »  
    • shogun459
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 4:32pm

      Welcome to the party. 5 years now his intentions as laid down in his books, speaches and so forth.

      Report Post » shogun459  
  • Locked
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:08pm

    Good for UNC, although I foresee future problems if some jilted student chooses to bring the issue to court. I disagree with the SCotUS’s views on this. Yes, it’s a shame if groups exclude specific people, but it‘s not like they’d have much of a fun time if the courts forced the groups to accept them.

    As long as all religious views have the opportunity to form student organizations (provided they meet whatever guidelines the schools adopt), I see no issue in giving individual groups full control over whom they accept or reject.

    Report Post »  
    • cessna152
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:44pm

      ******but it‘s not like they’d have much of a fun time if the courts forced the groups to accept them.******
      _____________________________________________________________________________________
      Interesting you’d mention that, because that’s what “equal rights” are all about. You support “equal rights”? It forces PRIVATE employers to hire certain people, even if they are crappy workers. It forces Firefighters to have a certain amount of “minorities” to be hired. Banks, Insurance, Cops, teachers are FORCED to hire a certain % of “minorities/sexual orientation/ certain beliefs” or be audited. Forces private businesses to provide services to groups that plan on destroying them…so there are two things you are missing:
      1) There is NO such thing as equal rights. If the government deems a right then another group loses a freedom. However, you’re confusing equal rights with EQUAL FREEDOM! Big difference..equal freedom is we all have the freedom to succeed or fail…period.
      2) Having this discussion is absurd! It is a Christian group and if they want to be exclusive or choose their leader then so be it. Why are lefties okay when Christians are bullied but up in arms when a Christian prays or betters society? Oh the horror…
      Marxist dopes, it’s when government MINGLES and controls religion that is dangerous, not the other way around.

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:55pm

      … where did THAT rant come from? You’re talking about two things: non-discrimination and affirmative action. I disagree with affirmative action, but agree with non-discrimination. AA might translate into quotas for the public services you’ve mentioned, but I‘m not a union member so I wouldn’t know actual workings. And non-compliance doesn’t lead to auditing; it leads to lawsuits and penalties.

      I’ve honestly never understood the fear of auditing, but my places of employment have always been on top of their paperwork and backup. Does it bite to have to hire an accountant and possibly a lawyer? Sure. But it’s the price of doing business, and proves your company is on the up-and-up. I’ve had audits in public and private sector jobs and have never had an issue. Bigger issue has been discrimination lawsuits, but the only one my company’s ever been in was resolved in our favor (and they ate the cost).

      Report Post »  
  • Arcangel Michael
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:00pm

    Jesus, I trust in You

    http://thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/chaplethistory.php

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AySdEJx50Z0&feature=related

    Report Post » Arcangel Michael  
  • cemerius
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:59pm

    Ahh the “non-war” on Christianity continues……I say “non-war“ because MSNBC makes it a joke like the dreaded monikers of ”birther“ and ”tea ******”. Laugh, joke, ridicule, and discredit from you Sal Alinsky book……there will be a reckoning!!!

    Report Post » cemerius  
  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:58pm

    What a waste of taxpayers money…get the gov’t out of my life. We all knew how this would turn out. I want my money back…

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • pavepaws
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:56pm

    A prayer for Obama…Psalm 109:8 ~ “Let his days be few and brief; and let others step
    forward to replace him.”

    Report Post »  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:52pm

    “The critical thing is that the policies allow [universities] to second-guess a religious group’s claims about being religious.” ~Jeremy Tedesco
    ———————————–

    ;^>That’s to make sure that no human sacrifies (or jihad) take place.

    .

    Report Post » spirited  
  • HKS
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:47pm

    DA, what was the clue?

    Report Post » HKS  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:54pm

      Probably had to spend several million to study it.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • hauschild
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:47pm

    UNC Reverses Ruling: “Christian Group Can Be Considered a Religious Organization”

    Well, Duh??? How much did that cost Joe Taxpayer to figure out? Damned, worthless leftists!

    I’m not particular religious, but anybody else find it extremely troubling how God-less this nation really is, or at the very least the bottom feeders who are making most of the laws and picking and choosing which ones to enforce?

    Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:51pm

      There are no problems in your life that didn’t come from a politician. Isn’t that sad?

      Report Post » HKS  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:37pm

    I’m sure Jesus is very grateful to you UNC. (eye roll)

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • pscully17
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:52pm

      At what point will the masses of regular citizens quit adhering to the dictates of a few, and asking a small elite class of people if its ok to have a group of like minded people get together and be exclusive as to who they allow in upon our own discretion? The Lines have been blurred and twisted around on these 2 terms by the liberals.. — personal Discretion, and Discrimination…. the best way to put this is.. Discrimination is a judgment label placed by others on you for making discretionary decisions based on your own conscience and prefernce. Think People!!

      Report Post »  
  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:36pm

    YEAH – but do they give away free condoms to fight the Republican WAR ON WOMEN (Said in an ECHO VOICE)

    Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • JEANNIEMAC
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:51pm

      There is no “Republican war on women”. The Republicans are defending the 1st Amendment rights of all employers. The Republican party is not against women buying their own contraception devices or obtaining them for free from local clinics. The contraception mandate by the Obama administration orders all employers to pay for contraception and other services, even when it is against their religious convictions. Health insurance is intended to pay the costs of illness, and the cost of voluntary choices.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:51pm

      Obama is “limiting access” to gasoline.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • JustPeachy
      Posted on March 14, 2012 at 3:09pm

      Gonzo! LOL You have some of the best posts! LOL

      Report Post » JustPeachy  
  • RayOne
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:34pm

    This will be know as the administration when,
    the WH built the church,
    In its image.

    Report Post » RayOne  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 14, 2012 at 2:33pm

    Puke: Regulations & Laws regarding Religion are UNCONSTITUTIONAL!

    Report Post » lukerw  

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