Religious liberty group sues SUNY Broome over prayer leadership rule
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty has filed a lawsuit on behalf of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship after SUNY Broome Community College refused official recognition unless non-Christians could lead its worship.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship attempted to obtain official status at SUNY Broome Community College, only to be told that recognition required allowing non-Christians to conduct its prayer, worship and Bible instruction. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a nonprofit law firm, filed a lawsuit on InterVarsity’s behalf, contending that the college’s demand infringes on the group’s religious freedoms. Counsel Colten Stanberry said the case was taken after hearing about the college’s stance, noting similar federal rulings have favored InterVarsity’s leadership standards.
Jake Sonner, a member of the campus chapter, emphasized that the organization welcomes members of all faiths but expects those leading services to share the Christian faith. SUNY Broome declined to comment on the pending litigation, and the case marks the third InterVarsity dispute the Becket Fund has pursued this year.
Why it matters
The case tests how public colleges can regulate religious student groups and may affect campus religious freedom nationwide.
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