Michigan university revoking Christian group's benefits was unconstitutional, judge rules

A federal judge has ruled that Wayne State University violated the First Amendment in refusing to officially recognize the Christian group InterVarsity because it required its leaders to be adherents of the faith.

"The uncontested facts demonstrate that Defendants violated Plaintiffs’ rights to internal management, free speech, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, and free exercise as a matter of law," he said, writing in the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division. Cleland wrote that "[t]he First Amendment categorically prohibits government attempts to influence or impose unwanted ministers on religious groups."