The other side of the debate:
Liberty talks about the complaint filed by Americans United
https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=8374
Liberty met with the College Democrats to find a compromise that would
satisfy both sides
https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=8375
Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr speaks to the media coverage given to this issue
https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=8373
It seems quite clear that it's not about Republicans versus Democrats as
Barry Lynn would have the IRS believe. In this case, the College Democrats
didn't lose recognition or funding because they were Democrats. It was
because their constitution pledged to support the Democratic platform and
candidates without qualification, and the national Democratic Party supports
legal abortion and and same-sex marriage. A Republican pro-choice group
would not get recognition or funding. A Republican group that supports
same-sex marriage would not get recognition or funding.
As Chancellor Falwell wrote: "Parents and students support the University
because they believe in its distinctly Christian identity and mission.
Liberty University is pro-life and believes that marriage between one man
and one woman provides the best environment for children. Liberty University
will not lend its name or financial support to any student group that
advances causes contrary to its mission."
If the Republican party platform expressed support for legal abortion and
same-sex marriage, and the College Republicans' constitution said they would
support the Republican platform and candidates without qualification, they
too would receive the same treatment. My bet is that once they alter their
constitution to limit their support to Democratic candidates and platform
planks that are pro-life and support traditional marriage, neither
recognition or funding will be an issue.
Brad Pardee
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Brayton" <[email protected]>
To: "'Law & Religion issues for Law Academics'" <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 2:34 PM
Subject: AU challenges tax exempt status of Liberty University
In the wake of Liberty U pulling recognition from the College Democrats
club, Americans United has written a letter to the IRS challenging their
tax
exempt status. The letter says:
"Political clubs operating on campus often endorse and work on behalf of
candidates, and officially recognized clubs are eligible for funding
through
student-activity fees. This decision by Liberty University effectively
means
that only the Republican club, which works to elect Republicans, will
receive funding. The university's decision offers Republican candidates a
type of in-kind contribution that is not being made available to
Democratic
candidates."
http://www.au.org/media/press-releases/archives/au-letter-to-irs-re-liberty.
pdf
Any thoughts on whether they have a strong case here?
Ed
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