McGraw
Dys
CHARLESTON -- Attorney General Darrell McGraw has joined attorneys general from across the country in arguing against the recent decision by the University of California to dismiss a student ministry because it required members to affirm its core religious viewpoints.
McGraw added his signature to an amicus, or friend of the court, brief filed in the Supreme Court case of Christian Legal Society Chapter of University of California, Hastings College of the Law vs. Leo P. Martinez, et. al.
The Family Policy Council of West Virginia is praising McGraw's signature on the amicus brief.
"Under our Constitution, students have the right to freely and peacefully assemble," said Jeremiah G. Dys, president and general counsel of FPCWV. "Christian students should never be penalized for simply abiding by their religious convictions."
Dys said colleges and universities could legally force Christian student ministries to ignore centuries of biblical conviction for the sake of "tolerance" if the Supreme Court upholds the current decision in the case.
Dys also said universities likewise could mandate Democrat student groups to accept Republican members and vice-versa, or require feminist student organizations to appoint male chauvinists.
McGraw disclosed his personal connection to the national story when he added his signature on behalf of West Virginia.
McGraw's daughter, Elliotte Catherine McGraw, is a student at Hastings College of the Law and president of the Hastings Democrats.
In a footnote on the amicus brief, McGraw noted the Hastings Democrats recently were notified by the school that to maintain the club's standing as a student organization, it was required to open its membership to all students, irrespective of party affiliation.
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case in December. In March, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld a district court ruling against the Christian Legal Society chapter at Hastings College of the Law.
For more information about the Family Policy Council of West Virginia, go to www.familypolicywv.com.