Posted on 12/20/2005 10:51:28 AM PST by NormsRevenge
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) - California State University, San Bernardino has refused to allow a Christian group to organize on campus, saying it would discriminate against non-Christians and homosexuals.
The Christian Student Association's proposed constitution included a statement on sexual morality and required members and officers to be Christian.
State law prevents student groups at public universities from excluding people based on religion or sexual orientation.
"We are not permitted to charter them under Title V," said Christine Hansen, director of student leadership and development in the office of Student Affairs. She was referring to a section of the state education code.
Ryan Sorba, who tried to form the association, accused the university of discriminating against Christians.
"This is about whether or not the First Amendment is allowed to exist at Cal State San Bernardino and whether or not Christians are allowed to exist," Sorba, 23, who also is president of the College Republicans, said Monday.
Similar controversies are playing out on other California campuses.
A group called the Alliance Defense Fund filed a lawsuit last month against the California State University campuses in Long Beach and San Diego, alleging that Cal State's systemwide policy forces students to abandon their Christian beliefs if they want benefits that other organizations receive.
Chartered student groups are eligible for money from student fees and can invite speakers to campus, post fliers and use university rooms for meetings.
Several Christian organizations began campaigning on Monday to force the university to approve Sorba's club.
"This is political correctness gone amok. There is no way we are going to let this thing pass," said the Rev. Louis Sheldon, chairman and founder of the Traditional Values Coalition in Washington, D.C.
Sorba has generated controversy in the past by using the College Republicans' name on anti-gay signs and coordinating an affirmative action bake sale at which minorities were offered snacks at reduced prices.
In a separate dispute, evangelical high schools are suing the University of California for refusing to recognize Christian themed courses.
I'm sure the ACLU will jump in and make things right!
Doesn't this deny them there rights because of their religion and sexual orientation (Christian and heterosexual) in direction contradiction of their law?
Take over a gay organization with sheer numbers. Then you can raid their treasury where they get lots of school money. If they refuse to let you in, sue them for discrimination.
"Doesn't this deny them there rights because of their religion and sexual orientation (Christian and heterosexual) in direction contradiction of their law?"
thanks for saving me the trouble of asking that very question!
http://studentleadership.csusb.edu/SLD_organizations.htm
student organizations of CSUSB.
""This is about whether or not the First Amendment is allowed to exist at Cal State San Bernardino and whether or not Christians are allowed to exist," Sorba, 23, who also is president of the College Republicans, said Monday."
Ah but you forget: we're leftists, this is OUR ivory tower and we'll run it any way we want too.
Now pay your taxes, I need a raise.
Of course. Please don't confuse them with the inconvenience of basic common sense.
The Muslim Student Association is accredited there.
It would be nice to see a list of all the groups chartered on this campus, just to make sure they are being fair (ha ha)Any african american groups? hispanic groups? girls softball groups? I could name 100. I just bet.... nah. They would't be unfair just because its a Christina group would they?
"This is political correctness gone amok."
I wish people would stop saying that. Political Correctness is, by definition, running amok.
Question: since student fees are used to fund student organizations, are christians and heterosexuals now exempt from paying said fees since the university has essentially classified them as "non-persons"?
Here are keywords for searching for the 'Student Union' on that campus. Pretty much says it all, huh??
Stu Union, Food , Taco Bell , Pub , Beer , Coffee , Television , Entertainment , Video Games , games , Pool , Snacks , Recreation , Magazines , Study Rooms , Cafeteria , Event Scheduling , Events , groups , CCC , Cross Cultural Center , black , African American , Chinese , Filipino , Japanese , Indian , nativ Indian , racism , prejudice , tolerance , diversity , WRC , Women's Resource Center , Gay , Lesbian , queer , queer ass coffee , Bisexual , Bi , Transgender , crossdressers , sex change , post-op , pre-op , safe sex , empowerment , women , equality , condom , sexually transmitted diseases , STD , rape , workshops , sex , alternate lifestyles , sexual , ARC , Adult Reentry Center , Adult , resources , resource center , computers , computer labs , computer lab , copy center , computer access , programs , Student Union Hours , , graphics , design , posters , flyers , employment , jobs , employment opportunities , job opportunities , administration , fax , notary public , game room , board of directors ,
Blatantly against federal law. FIRE will rip them to pieces.
The religion of peace discriminates? sarcasm off
Do they also deny charters to Jewish and Muslim groups? If not, then I think it's clearly discriminatory.
It's also against Supreme Court precedent. You're exactly right about FIRE.
But apparently it doesn't prevent universities from discriminating against people based on their religion or sexual orientation.
They're one of the best and most effective organizations working today, IMHO.
Oh, my goodness:
As the Diversity Statement stresses, 'All persons will be provided opportunity and encouragement to explore and discover the richness of the tapestry of human experience. The university community is united in the condemnation of acts of hatred and intolerance.' If we're all to blossom as an institution, all of us must feel safe -- and in fact be safe. Actions that diminish any of us diminish us all.
"Because the university must -- and will -- embrace diversity of opinion and freedom of speech, there will be occasions in which words meant to express opinion may offend someone. That type of pain is a concomitant of freedom of speech. But acts that create fear are intolerable.
"This is an occasion to recommit ourselves to making the campus a place where everyone will feel safe and welcome -- and where all viewpoints will be given the opportunity for safe expression...
"In addition to specific steps, however, I believe we must each be concerned for one another and be attentive to acts of possible intimidation and discrimination. Gay or lesbian bashing is no less vile than any other form of oppression. We must stand as one on our common humanity.
"We will treat the question of a safe and secure campus as a priority."
President Albert K. Karnig
Convocation Address
September 14, 2000
That would only be the clear cut case if that groups rules, as the Christian groups do, requires that members be of that religious background. The story stated that the groups charter required that members be Christian. If the Muslim group's charter has a similar requirement, then we have a definite contradiction. Same would be true if the gay group's charter stated that all members have to be gay.
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