North Carolina Rep. Bert Jones, primary sponsor of the legislation to provide more autonomy to student groups on college campuses, says that “there’s a war on God.”
The bill, already passed by the Senate, now heads to the governor’s desk.
The proposal prohibits university administrators from denying recognition, use of school facilities or funding to political or religious groups with which they disagree. Student groups would have authority to resolve their own disputes and may reject candidates for leadership positions who do not conform to the basic mission and principles of the organization.
The bill comes as Christian groups in other states have been penalized and stripped of their student organization status because their doctrines clash with university policy. The proposal says an organization can decide that only people professing its faith or mission and who act in that manner can be leaders.
Opponents say the bill gives groups a license to discriminate against people who don’t share their views. Supporters say it is necessary to protect students’ First Amendment rights in an age of what they say is excessive political correctness. Groups whose missions would jeopardize the safety of others would not have protections under the bill.
“Our society is engaged in an ongoing cultural battle,” said Rep. Bert Jones, R-Rockingham, the bill’s primary sponsor. “There is a war on God. … Unfortunately these efforts have been extended to our campuses.”
The bill would open the doors for lawsuits against the universities, said Rep. Alma Adams, D-Guilford.
