Louisiana State University: Threat to Muslim Group’s Freedom of Association
The Muslim Student Association of Louisiana State University (LSU) ran into trouble in the fall of 2003 when it was informed that a new policy required all groups to explicitly state that they would not deny membership on the basis of a list of criteria including "religion" and "sexual orientation." The MSA decided that it could not include language in its constitution that was inconsistent with its desired expressive purpose; as a result, it was denied recognition by the administration. The group lost all privileges to reserve and use on-campus facilities, distribute literature, and other benefits granted to student groups. In fall 2004, another attempt was made to resolve the matter, but the efforts proved fruitless and the group contacted FIRE. FIRE exchanged a number of letters with the LSU administration, culminating with one requesting that LSU apply its interpretation by immediately and fully recognizing the MSA and its right to define its message and membership according to its conscience. Within a week, the MSA was recognized as an official student group and granted full student group privileges.
Case Materials
"Victory for Religious Freedom at Louisiana State University," FIRE Press Release, March 17, 2005: Louisiana State University has granted official recognition to the Muslim Students Association after the group was denied recognition for a year and a half for refusing to accept limits on its rights to religious liberty and free association. After FIRE intervened, the university reaffirmed its commitment to the First Amendment rights of its students and recognized the group.
"Campus Left to Christians, Conservatives: Shut Up!," Mark Tapscott, Townhall.com, December 24, 2005: Take California State University at San Bernadino, for example, where administrators refuse to charter the Christian Students Association because the group thinks its members should be professing Christians. Imagine that!
"Group Challenges University Policies," Rebekah Allen, The Daily Reveille, June 30, 2005: The Foundation for Individual Rights for Education (FIRE) designated LSU a “red light” school in December of 2004 for ambiguous language used in school policies.
