9th Circuit Hears Arguments In High School Christian Bible Club Case

There have been a number of cases around the country involving attempts by Christian groups on college campuses to be recognized even though they exclude non-Christians from formal membership. Yesterday, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle heard arguments in a similar case involving a high school Bible group. At Kentridge High School near Seattle, for official membership and voting rights in the "Truth and Bible" club, students are required to sign a statement affirming "the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God." Kentridge's Associated Student Body, applying the school's non-discrimination policy, refused to recognize the group, which means that, while it can meet on campus, it cannot engage in fundraising there, be featured in the yearbook or advertise as broadly as recognized groups. Represented by the Alliance Defense Fund, the student group argued that its rights to free speech, free association and equal access are being violated.