WV governor signs bill to protect critical constitutional freedoms on campuses

The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Matt Sharp, director of the ADF Center for Public Policy, regarding West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice’s signing Friday of SB 503, a bill to protect the First Amendment rights of student organizations at public universities:

“Universities should encourage freedom of speech and religion, not shut it down. That includes safeguarding the ability of belief-based student organizations to associate with those who align with the organization’s mission and purpose. We wouldn’t require a Democrat club to select a registered Republican as its president or an environmental club to admit members who support drilling in the Arctic. In the same way, religious clubs must remain free to require their leaders and members to adhere to their religious beliefs and values. This critical legislation specifically ensures that student groups at public universities can freely choose their leaders and members, and further their mission, absent of discrimination. We commend the West Virginia Legislature and Gov. Justice for standing with students and joining the 17 other states that have passed similar legislation. Now and always, universities have an obligation to safeguard freedom of speech and religion for their students.”

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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