Rutgers University

InterVarsity Multi-Ethnic Christian Fellowship v. Rutgers University

Summary

In the fall of 2002, Rutgers University denied InterVarsity Multi-Ethnic Christian Fellowship official recognition because the group failed to include the University’s non-discrimination policy in its constitution. Instead, InterVarsity wanted to be able to choose leaders who abide by their religious beliefs, but Rutgers decided this would be discriminatory. However, including the non-discrimination statement would effectively cripple the group’s ability to function because InterVarsity would be required to accept members and leaders who held views contrary to the group’s purpose. Then-ADF allied attorney David French filed suit against the University in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on December 30, 2002.