University of Iowa relents on deregistration of faith-based groups

A week after getting sued by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF), the University of Iowa has relented on its decision to deregister 39 student groups. The organizations had failed to meet a mid-June deadline for adding a nondiscrimination provision to their governing documents.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of IVCF, said in a release that an agreement with the school will temporarily reinstate all deregistered religious groups until the end of pending litigation.

“This is a win for everyone—Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Sikhs alike,” said Daniel Blomberg, senior counsel for Becket. “Everyone loses when state officials pick who leads students in prayer and worship. Everyone wins when religious students can make those decisions for themselves. Here’s hoping the courts make the university’s temporary patch into a permanent fix.”

In addition to the IVCF lawsuit, Becket earlier filed one against the university for Business Leaders in Christ (BLinC). Both lawsuits stem from the university’s stance that the groups aren’t free to choose leaders on the basis of faith and must instead adhere to nondiscrimination regulations. A trial on BLinC’s case is tentatively scheduled for next March.