The Missouri-based College of the Ozarks is asking the court to review a decision by the Eighth Circuit that said the college cannot sue the Biden administration for seeking to force the college to violate its religious beliefs. The appeals court ruling was in agreement with a district court ruling that the college lacked standing.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is representing the College of the Ozarks in its case. Attorney Julie Blake says President Biden is targeting religious schools and organizations simply because of their beliefs about biological sex.
"Shortly after taking office, President Biden, through his Department of Housing and Urban Development, issued a directive that requires virtually all colleges and schools – including religious ones – to open their dormitories, their shared shower spaces, and more to members of the opposite sex," Blake notes.
But she points out that faith-based institutions have a right to operate according to their beliefs and to protect the young women on their campuses.
"The schools can face ruinous fines – up to six figures in attorneys' fees," Blake explains. "The government has no business forcing … young women to share private spaces with males, let alone bedrooms, showers, or roommate assignments."
The Supreme Court has until the end of this term in July to look at and decide this request. If it does not issue a decision by that point, then it has until the end of September to reconsider.
