Christian student groups sue SUNY Broome over leadership requirements

Campus Bible Fellowship (CBF) has filed a lawsuit against SUNY Broome Community College in New York, alleging that the institution’s antidiscrimination policy violates the group's First Amendment rights. The college currently prohibits student organizations from requiring that their leaders be professing Christians. Because of this policy, CBF reports that it has been denied official recognition, which restricts its ability to reserve campus facilities and access student activity funding.

Represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, CBF argues that the college is infringing upon its right to select leaders who align with its religious doctrine. The lawsuit notes that other student organizations on campus are permitted to restrict leadership positions based on specific criteria. This legal action follows a similar lawsuit filed against the college by the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, which is represented by the Becket Fund. Both organizations contend that the college’s policy constitutes state interference in the governance and religious expression of faith-based student groups.