Dive Brief:
- The Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide could have far-reaching effects on Christian schools but may also affect others.
- Christian college leaders are concerned they could lose federal tax-exempt status or accreditation if they keep their policies opposing same-sex relationships and marriages, and The Chronicle of Higher Education reports both would likely mean closure for many schools.
- On other campuses, equal rights across the country may make students and faculty choose their schools differently as they will be able to find the same marriage rights and recognition everywhere.
Dive Insight:
The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities issued a statement soon after the Supreme Court’s ruling reassuring its members they should not worry about their tax exempt status. The decision upheld the idea of religious freedom so the CCCU expects colleges and universities to continue to be able to make hiring and benefit decisions based on religious doctrine that opposes same-sex relationships and marriage.
The Association of Christian Schools saw the ruling as a direct contradiction to the first amendment and is advocating passage of the First Amendment Defense Act in Congress. It said accreditation losses are a real concern but tax-exempt status would not be an immediate threat.