Christian fraternity sues UNC over official recognition

[struggle4progress]

Published: Aug 25, 2004
Modified: Aug 25, 2004 5:45 PM
By MARGARET LILLARD, Associated Press Writer

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- A Christian fraternity that refused to adopt the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's nondiscrimination policy sued Wednesday because it was denied official campus recognition.

Alpha Iota Omega objects to a school requirement that its membership be open to everyone regardless of religion or sexual orientation.
<snip>

UNC Chancellor James Moeser declined to comment on details of the lawsuit, but noted that the school has 42 recognized religious student groups with nearly 5,000 members.
He said the university believes its position strikes the right balance between nondiscrimination and free association - rights guaranteed in the Constitution.
"We are a public institution, and we cannot discriminate. That's the law," he said. "Membership in recognized student groups must be open to all students on a nondiscriminatory basis."

He noted that Alpha Iota Omega is not banned from campus, though its nonofficial status means it is ineligible for privileges that include priority access to university facilities and eligibility for money generated by student fees.
<snip>

http://newsobserver.com/news/nc/ncwire_news/story/1566708p-7755182c.html


Christian Fraternity Sues UNC-Chapel Hill Over Non-Discrimination Policy
Alpha Iota Omega Claims It Was Denied Campus Recognition
POSTED: 12:05 pm EDT August 25, 2004
UPDATED: 5:22 pm EDT August 25, 2004

<snip>
"We're seeking an injunction against the policy asking that the court refuse to allow the university to enforce that policy," said Joshua Carden, of the Alliance Defense Fund.
<snip>

Chancellor James Moeser stands by his decision and has the support of the Campus Minister's Association, which says none of its groups has exclusivity.

"I think it's important that the students of the Christian organization understand that they can be distinct, but they also can't exclude," said Rabbi Sharon Mars, of the Campus Minister's Association.
<snip>

http://www.wral.com/news/3680206/detail.html


Further abuse of process by the Alliance Defense Fund ...

[phantom power]

1. fascinating, in a train-wreck sort of way

"We want to discriminate, and we're not going to let anybody try and stop us!!!"

Do these people listen to themselves talking?

[physioex]

2. Wonder if Jesus would sue if his fraternity wasn't recognized?

Let's go over and form a Satan Fraternity.... :evilgrin:

[phantom power]

3. just as long as anyone can join!

[zmdem]

17. Jesus would have sued

Remember, He said "Render unto Caeser, that which is Caeser's", thereby recognizing the legitimacy of the government. Since the courts and the laws are part of the government, there is no reason to suppose He wouldn't have sued in court.

Probably would have won too. Friends in high places and all ;)

[gratuitous]

4. They want all students to support them through student fees

But many of those same students would not be permitted to join. Whatever happened to civics and logic courses that taught students how to avoid such simple fallacies? I hope UNC isn't too principled to ask for Rule 11 sanctions against these yahoos.

[xchrom]

5. hmmmm? doncha wonder

who's excluded?:eyes:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

10. And why they'd be so touchy about including them...

It's not as if the campus gays are going to be clamoring to join...

[WMliberal]

6. wah wah

:nopity: :nopity: :nopity:

[Endangered Specie]

7. I dont usually pull for UNC... but, Im hoping they stand up to those nuts.

I wouldnt want my tuition money going towards a discriminating bunch.

[IrishBloodEngHeart]

8. I agree with them in this case.

I don't see why a religous group couldn't exclude people who weren't of that religion, much as the democratic group on campus should be able to exclude republicans.

On edit, they shouldn't get school funds to do it, however, but they should be recognized and allowed the freedom to exist on campus.

[young_at_heart]

9. It's not a private university.........they can't discriminate

If they allow a religious fraternity then that opens the door for a multitude of groups that would create an "us against them" mentality.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

12. I seriously doubt that

people of other religions are as threatening to them as people of other sexual orientations. They'll just attempt to convert people of other religions....no big deal.

But admitting gay people...well can you imagine if people on campus thought these good "Christians" were gay?! Or worse yet, what if associating with gay people actually made them gay?!?

But seriously...how many people of other religions or sexual orientations would be interested in joining them? And isn't it interesting that the article doesn't mention race?

[kiahzero]

14. They can exist on campus

So no, you really don't side with them.

[AndyTiedye]

15. That's Pretty Much What UNC Did

Recognition in this case impllies funding, so they withheld that,
and rightly so, but they ARE allowed on campus (also rightly so).

[zmdem]

11. So what about Frats and sororites ?

They discriminate on the basis of sex.

[RummyTheDummy]

13. Oh I bet their parties are a real hoot

Punch and cookies. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

[7th_Sephiroth]

16. when have you EVER heard a

"good christian man" do ANYTHING wholesome, they'll be the worst of them, thier prolly allready dealing drugs