A recent ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon has affirmed that religious colleges may require students to sign faith-based statements as a condition of enrollment, reinforcing First Amendment protections for faith-based institutions. The decision sets a significant precedent for religious liberty in higher education.
Lathrop GPM served as legal counsel to the plaintiffs in the case, working alongside The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. The court’s ruling underscores the constitutional autonomy of religious schools in defining their missions and community standards, particularly in the context of federal funding and anti-discrimination laws.
The case has drawn national attention for its implications on religious freedom and institutional rights, and Lathrop GPM’s involvement reflects the firm’s deep experience in constitutional and education law.
Read the full Bloomberg Law article here: Religious Colleges Can Require Faith Statements From Students