Two Christian colleges in Minnesota are taking legal action against the state after being excluded from a dual enrollment program. The program, established in 1985, allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school. A recent amendment to the program's law now bars participation from institutions requiring students to sign a statement of faith, effectively targeting Crown College and the University of Northwestern, St. Paul.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty represents the two colleges in their lawsuit against Minnesota. Their legal representative, Diana Thomson, argues that while the government isn't obligated to fund private education, it cannot discriminate against religious institutions once it offers such funding. She points out that this case is unique as it focuses on a dual enrollment program.

Court documents reveal that state officials criticized the colleges' statements of faith, allegedly calling them "creepy" and admitting the amendment aimed to force the institutions to abandon these statements. Thomson emphasized that the Constitution doesn't require schools to change their religious beliefs to receive public funds.

The lawsuit highlights that the amendment directly targeted the two colleges. State officials reportedly objected to admissions standards requiring students to actively practice their Christian faith and any messaging that might make potential students feel unwelcome due to the schools' biblical worldview.

Thomson argues that the issue is not about separating church and state, but about student choice. She believes students should have the freedom to choose schools that align with their faith. If the amendment stands, families who have traditionally sent their children to Crown and Northwestern might lose the opportunity for their younger children to participate in the dual enrollment program.

Thomson stressed the importance of governments understanding they cannot exclude religious institutions from public programs based on their religious practices. She views membership in religious organizations as a fundamental constitutional right protected by the First Amendment.

The Minnesota Department of Education and the Commissioner's Office did not respond to requests for comment.