USA (ICF) — InterVarsity's chapter at the State University of New York at
Buffalo (UB) is once again functioning as a recognized student organization
following a July 28th decision by UB's Student Wide Judiciary (SWJ).
The chapter was de-recognized by the Student Association Senate on April 15,
2012. The de-recognition followed the resignation of the chapter treasurer, who
stepped down from his leadership position after revealing that he did not agree
with InterVarsity's Doctrinal Basis.
SWJ ruled that UB's Student Association Senate improperly failed to
distinguish between leadership requirements and membership requirements.
InterVarsity chapter activities are open to all students. The 16-page ruling
said that "it is common sense, not discrimination, for a religious group to
want its leaders to agree with its core beliefs."
InterVarsity chapter leaders were pleased to learn of their restoration to
the campus community. "We hope the SWJ decision sets a precedent that protects
all groups on campus and creates a genuinely diverse campus environment that
values differences," said co-president Nicholas C. D'Angelo. "The chapter
remained focused and united during this time. Having our presence on campus
challenged served to strengthen awareness of our mission and our commitment to
the mission."
Alec Hill, president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, was hopeful
that the Buffalo decision indicated a trend that other colleges and
universities would embrace. "InterVarsity believes that a diverse campus
environment requires the presence of groups which authentically and
faithfully reflect religious beliefs," said Hill. "Groups which cannot
communicate or embody their creedal commitments cannot contribute to a truthful
and robust dialogue."
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a campus ministry which has been
actively involved with students and faculty on U.S. college and university
campuses for more than 71 years. InterVarsity currently has more than 890
chapters on more than 575 campuses, ranging from Ivy League schools to
community colleges. More information about InterVarsity's campus access
concerns is posted at www.intervarsity.org/about/our/campus-access.
