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University of California's Rejection of Christian School Courses Upheld

By Howard M. Friedman

In Association of Christian Schools International v. Stearns, (CD CA, Aug. 8, 2008), a California federal district court upheld the University of California's refusal to recognized certain high school courses offered by Christian schools in making admissions decisions. In an earlier decision (see prior posting) the court rejected facial challenges to the University's policy. In this decision, the court also rejected a series of "as-applied" challenges.

On procedural and standing grounds, the court limited the as-applied challenge to rejection of literature, history, government and world religions courses offered by Calvary Chapel Christian School and one Biology course offered by another school. In rejecting plaintiffs' viewpoint discrimination challenge as to those courses, the court said: "Defendants necessarily facilitate some viewpoints over others in judging the excellence of those students applying to UC. Therefore, the decision to reject a course is constitutional as long as: (1) UC did not reject the course because of animus; and (2) UC had a rational basis for rejecting the course." The court also rejected free exercise, establishment clause and equal protection challenges.

The Californian on Friday reported on reactions from Robert Tyler, an attorney who represented Calvary Christian School in the case. Saying that they planned an appeal, Tyler remarked: "We're worried in the long term, Christian education is going to be continually watered down in order to satisfy the UC school system." University officials have approved 43 courses offered by Calvary Christian School, and test scores can be used as an alternative admissions criterion.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on August 10, 2008 (boomark / email).