NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The campus ministry InterVarsity Christian Fellowship has sued Rutgers University, arguing that the New Jersey school has removed its funding because religion is a factor in its leadership selection.
The suit, filed in district court during the week of Dec. 29, claims that Rutgers University at New Brunswick violated its local chapter’s freedom of speech and religion, The Washington Times reported.
Fellowship members charge that the college revoked their group’s recognition in September because InterVarsity’s constitution does not meet university guidelines on nondiscrimination, the suit states. That policy mandates that student groups be open to all students and permit any active member to run for office.
Sandra Lanman, a Rutgers spokeswoman, confirmed that the school has halted funding because “the group is not willing to operate under the university’s nondiscrimination policy.”
But she told the newspaper that university officials have not “de-recognized” or suspended the group and “have made it clear to the group that it still has access to the same facilities.”
InterVarsity says it permits anyone to become a member, but its charter states that only those “committed to the basis of faith and the purpose of this organization are eligible for leadership positions.”
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