Southern Illinois University Settles Suit With Christian Legal Society

The Associated Press reported yesterday that Southern Illinois University has agreed to settle a lawsuit against it by again recognizing the Christian Legal Society as an official student group. In 2005, the University revoked CLS’s status as a recognized student group because it violated the University’s non-discrimination policy. CLS requires that its members agree to follow a statement of Christian faith. This results in exclusion from voting membership of non-Christians and of active gays and lesbians. Last year, the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a preliminary injunction restoring CLS’s recognition pending the outcome of an appeal before the court. (See prior posting). As part of the settlement announced this week (full text), the University will create a $10,000 scholarship that will be administered by CLS.