Summary

On December 17, 2007, the Center filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the University of Montana School of Law's derecognition of the local CLS student chapter on account of its Christian beliefs. The law school's Student Bar Association originally recognized CLS but withdrew recognition due to opposition from law students and faculty and subsequently excluded CLS from student activity funds made available to all other law student organizations.

The SBA's decision, upheld by law school Dean E. Edwin Eck, is in stark contrast to that of the main campus student government, the Associated Students of the University of Montana, which has recognized CLS.

The School of Law refused to respond to requests that it explain the basis of its decision, however, law students and faculty opposed to CLS characterized the chapter's requirement that voting members and leaders refrain from sexual activity outside of marriage as "discrimination."

While CLS requires that voting members and officers to adhere to a Statement of Faith, all are welcome to participate in meetings and events.

CLS challenges the law school's decision as a violation of CLS' First Amendment rights, including freedom of expressive association, participation in a student activity fee distribution process free of viewpoint discrimination, and free exercise of religion.

On February 8, 2008, defendants filed a motion to dismiss. On July 21, 2008, CLS filed a motion for summary judgment. On November 14, 2008, the magistrate judge assigned to this case issued his findings and recommendations regarding CLS' motion for summary judgment. The district court's decisions on defendants' motion to dismiss and CLS' motion for summary judgment are pending.

Litigation Documents

Plaintiffs' Reply to Defendants' Response to Plaintiffs' Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations - December 22, 2008

Plaintiffs' Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations - December 4, 2008

Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations - November 14, 2008

Reply Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment - August 26, 2008

Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment - July 28, 2008

Response to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss - March 6, 2008

Complaint - December 17, 2007

Press Releases

University of Mont. School of Law continues trend of silencing Christian groups at public universities - December 17, 2007

News & Commentary

The Missoulian, Christian law students sues UM over funding denial - December 18, 2007

Religion Clause, CLS at University of Montana Sues Over School's Refusal to Grant Recognition - December 18, 2007

The Center Blog, Another CLS Chapter Derecognized - This Time at the University of Montana School of Law - December 17, 2007

Missoula Independent, Students bar Christians - October 11, 2007