FFRF filed this Minnesota District Court amicus brief on September 10, 2024 in support of the state of Minnesota over a challenge to a state law prohibiting discrimination against students in a publicly funded education program. High School students in Minnesota are able to earn college credit through a program called Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO). Colleges that wish to participate in this program and receive government funding are prohibited from requiring faith statements from students who apply. Two colleges, Crown College in St. Bonifacius and the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, sued state education officials over this restriction.
The brief argued that the state may set nondiscrimination conditions on education programs that it funds. Additionally, the state has a significant interest in setting these conditions in order to make educational opportunities open to all students and reduce discrimination.
This brief was drafted by FFRF intern Grace Kraimer, Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence, and Legal Director Patrick Elliott.
