MINNEAPOLIS — A federal court has ruled that Minnesota religious colleges cannot be excluded from a state program designed to support dual enrollment for high school students, even if they require students to adhere to faith-based guidelines. U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel made the decision on Friday, overturning a recently enacted Minnesota law aimed at barring Christian colleges from imposing religious criteria.
The law, which was passed in 2023 with support from a Democratic-controlled legislature, sought to create what advocates described as a more inclusive environment for non-Christian, LGBTQ+, and other diverse student populations. Educational officials and advocates had criticized faith requirements, claiming these policies discriminated against students who did not identify with the colleges’ religious affiliations.
In response to the legislation, families of students attempting to earn college credits at Crown College and the University of Northwestern filed a lawsuit asserting that the ban infringed on their First Amendment rights to religious freedom. During the litigation, the enforcement of the law was halted, allowing the colleges to continue admitting students under their existing faith-based criteria.
In her comprehensive ruling, which spanned 70 pages, Judge Brasel highlighted the complex legal relationship between religion and publicly funded education. She emphasized the importance of the First Amendment, which offers particular protections for religious organizations in such contexts.
The two private Christian institutions have received approximately $40 million from the state’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program since the 2017-2018 academic year. The University of Northwestern reportedly admits around 70% of its dual-enrollment applicants. Overall, nearly 60,000 high school students have participated in the PSEO initiative, which allows them to take college courses while still in high school.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, representing the plaintiffs, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. Senior counsel Diana Thomson criticized the efforts to restrict the colleges’ admission policies, calling it a misguided attempt to limit educational opportunities based on students’ beliefs.
“This ruling is a win for families who won’t be pressured into renouncing their faith, and it serves as a critical reminder to lawmakers who attempt to infringe upon religious liberties,” Thomson stated.
As the legal discussions continue, the implications of this ruling may resonate beyond Minnesota, sparking dialogue about the balance between religious freedom and anti-discrimination measures in education.
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