Minnesota Law Challenged Over College Religious Requirements

A federal judge is reviewing a lawsuit from Minnesota Christian parents challenging a 2023 state law that prohibits certain religious colleges from participating in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, which allows high school students to earn college credits tuition-free. The law specifically targets Crown College and the University of Northwestern at St. Paul, both of which require students to sign statements of faith. Plaintiffs argue that the law infringes on their First Amendment rights by denying access to schools that align with their religious values. The state contends the law is necessary to protect non-Christian and LGBTQ students from discrimination. While awaiting a ruling, the law is currently not being enforced, allowing the colleges to continue participating in PSEO. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for religious institutions and students in Minnesota.