Federal Court Upholds Religious Freedom for Minnesota Colleges in Landmark Ruling on Dual Enrollment Program

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 … Read more

Federal Ruling Upholds Religious Freedom in Minnesota College Program, Favoring Christian Institutions

MINNEAPOLIS — A federal court has ruled that two Christian colleges in Minnesota cannot be excluded from a state program that allows high school students to take college courses at no cost. The decision, delivered by U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel on Friday, invalidated a 2023 law that aimed to address discrimination allegations at these institutions. Judge Brasel determined that the legislative measure constituted an unconstitutional infringement on the religious freedoms of high school students wishing to enroll at the colleges. “This dispute requires the court to venture into the delicate constitutional interplay of religion … Read more

Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program Faces Uncertain Future Amid Constitutional Challenges and Funding Concerns

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A recent ruling by a Franklin County judge has cast a significant shadow over Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program, declaring it unconstitutional. The decision asserts that utilizing public funds to subsidize tuition for private religious schools breaches the state’s constitutional mandate prohibiting the allocation of “school funds” to religious institutions. Furthermore, the judge’s ruling states that the program’s expansion detracts from Ohio’s responsibility to ensure a “thorough and efficient” public education system, a concern heightened by the existing underfunding of public schools. An appeal is currently being prepared by the state attorney general. … Read more

Baxter County Sheriff’s Office Partners with Federal Program to Enhance Immigration Enforcement

Mountain Home, Arkansas – The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office is set to expand its role in immigration enforcement by participating in a federal program that allows selected deputies to assist with immigration laws. Sheriff John Montgomery confirmed that his office is joining the 287(g) program, which grants local law enforcement the authority to enforce federal immigration laws under the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration between local law enforcement and federal authorities to address immigration issues more effectively. The program has been implemented in various communities across the country, … Read more