Christian School Files Discrimination Suit Against University of California
Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005 Posted: 10:37:34AM EST
A group representing Christian schools has filed suit in Los Angeles against the University of California for discriminating against high schools that teach creationism and conservative Christian views.
The Association Of Christian Schools International, which represents 800 religious schools in California, and Calvary Chapel Christian School in Murrieta jointly filed the suit, claiming that the UC board of Regents and five university officials violated their rights to freedom of speech and religion, as well as displaying hostility to Christianity, according to the LA Times.
The suit claims that UC admissions instituted a policy that would refuse to accept high school science courses and textbooks that challenged Darwinian evolution.
Among the courses not being accepted by the university are: “Christianity’s Influence in American History,” “Christianity and Morality in American Literature” and “Special Providence: American Government.”
Ravi Poorsina, a spokeswoman for the UC said that she could not comment on the suit because the university had not yet been served with the suit. However she stated that the university had a right to set requirements for incoming students, according to the LA Times.
“What we’re doing is really for the benefit of the students, “she said. ”These requirements were established after careful study by faculty and staff to ensure that students who come here are fully prepared with broad knowledge and the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed.”
In the suit, five Cavalry Chapel students were mentioned. Each were said to have strong academic and extracurricular records.
She added that students not meeting the UC requirements should make them up by taking them at community colleges if they chose to.
Addressing the issue of community college makeup classes, the association bringing the suit claimed that this method made it much more difficult for students.
The university was also accused of approving courses from other viewpoints or religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism.