Virginia State University sued over policy placing Christian clubs under single campus minister
Two Christian student groups have filed a federal lawsuit against Virginia State University, alleging that a new policy forces them to operate under a single campus minister, violating their constitutional rights.
Women of Victory and Bethel Campus Fellowship have sued Virginia State University, asserting that an August policy strips their registered status and forces them into Campus Ministries, a university entity run by campus minister Thomas Wynn and a board of advisers. The suit alleges the board can control event scheduling, guest speakers and doctrinal limits, while the policy explicitly exempts the Muslim Students Association and the VSU Community Faith Alliance.
Plaintiffs claim the arrangement violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, including free exercise, free speech, expressive association and equal protection. The complaint cites prior conflicts, including an incident in April 2026 when Wynn allegedly tried to stop a “deliverance” event. Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, the groups seek relief from what they describe as unconstitutional religious control by a public university. The case is pending in the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division.
Why it matters
The lawsuit challenges a university policy that may set a precedent for how public schools regulate religious student groups.
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