Concord Monitor, Student Group With Anti-LGBT Positions Alleges Religious Discrimination at UNH Law School:
A Christian student group seeking formal recognition by the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law is threatening legal action after alleging the school’s student governing body failed to act on its nomination.
The Free Exercise Coalition is seeking to form its inaugural chapter at UNH’s law school in Concord. Its mission is to “equip religious students in their free exercise of religion,” according to paperwork filed with the school. Board members of the group pledge to uphold “Judeo-Christian” religious traditions and beliefs, as well as oppose gay marriage, abortion and transgender people. ,,,
After submitting an application in November, the group’s members allege the school’s Student Bar Association has unnecessarily delayed its formal recognition and that a proposed faculty advisor for the group withdrew his support after facing pressure.
Earlier this month, the First Liberty Institute, a Texas-based legal group that advocates for religious freedom and is representing the Free Exercise Coalition, sent a letter to the university threatening legal action if the Student Bar Association didn’t act swiftly and approve the pending recognition. …
A spokesperson for UNH denied any allegations of discrimination, and said that the application is being reviewed “under the same protocol and standard as applied to other student groups.” The university noted that students recently completed final exams, and are now on semester break. …
The coalition is the second religious group to recently seek approval at UNH Law. In October, the Student Bar Association approved a request to form a local chapter of the Christian Legal Society after receiving advice from the university system’s legal counsel, according to meeting minutes.
Some students expressed concern about the Christian Legal Society’s doctrine of opposing same-sex marriage as conflicting with the law school’s stated positions on diversity, equity and inclusion. The application from the Free Exercise Coalition is also drawing opposition from some students.
“You essentially have to sign a statement of faith that promotes homophobia and transphobia” to be a board member of the coalition, said Taylor Largmann, president of the campus’s chapter of the Lambda student group, which advocates for LGBTQ students. “That does not reflect UNH Law’s values. At least, I would hope not.” …
After the Free Exercise Coalition submitted its application, the faculty advisor for the coalition withdrew his name, First Liberty alleged, meaning their current application does not appear complete. In a statement to NHPR, First Liberty blamed “the university’s discriminatory conduct” for the withdrawal of the faculty advisor. In its letter threatening legal action, the institute is asking a UNH Law School dean to be appointed as interim advisor, as well as mandatory training for the student bar members.
- The College Fix, University of New Hampshire Accused of ‘Open Hostility’ Toward Religious Freedom Club
- Fox News, Law Firm Claims NH University Discriminates Against Religious Student Group: 'Had Ample Warning'
- Law.com, UNH Law's Student Bar Association Under Attack
- New Hampshire Public Radio, Student Group With Anti-LGBT Positions Alleges Religious Discrimination at UNH Law School
