 "Photo: J.D. Swiger")
Student Activities approached FLiC on May 27 with news that the organization did not meet the requirements for recognition.
After countless hours of application reviews and interviewing, Freshman Leadership Organizations revealed the final choices to anxiously waiting freshman. But for one FLO, Freshman Leaders in Christ, the journey to revelation night was more complicated.
Without recognized organization status, FLiC could no longer be a FLO; therefore, exacerbating recruiting and losing use of University facilities, a campus cubicle, Student Activities resources, free banking, eligibility to apply for special funding and distributing materials on campus.
The controversy stemmed from membership requirements that stated those "who declare themselves as Christian, are following Christ in their daily walks, and whose desire is to serve others as a way of following Christ's example of leadership."
Texas A&M membership policy states an organization must "be open in its membership unless otherwise permitted under applicable federal law." Texas A&M General Counsel ruled that FLiC's membership terms were too limiting and not permitted under federal law.
Although the membership policy is not new, this is the first time FLiC has been contested.
FLiC directors Lauren Shook and Brett Newman, faced with the first problem before the semester had started, weighed the different courses of action.
"First off, Lauren and I were hesitant to fight A&M. There was a lot of uneasiness with the thought of fighting, until we were approached by an attorney with ADF (Alliance Defense Fund)," Newman said. "Once he told us that he wanted to fight for us, we started to change our minds."
ADF litigation staff counsel Joseph Martins sent a letter to the University arguing that by forcing FLiC to accept members who would impair the group's religious message, they would detriment their rights to free speech, free association and free exercise of religion.
"By deciding that we cannot limit our membership to those who are followers of Christ, the University was forcing us to change our purpose. Ultimately, that results in a violation of our First Amendment rights," Shook said. "We were asking the University to recognize that we are an exception under federal law because of our rights of association."
FLiC cannot separate the individual's beliefs from their mission and purpose, Shook said.
"Our purpose is not just to teach leadership or service as a Christian value but rather to encourage and equip freshman believers for servant leadership in the work of God," she said. "Ultimately, the reason why we serve has to be about our relationship with Him."
The general counsel sent a letter Aug. 27 stating "Texas A&M University will officially recognize FLiC as a student group for the academic year fall 2009- spring 2010."
"The University's decision is in keeping with the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent," Martins said. "Texas A&M should be commended for working proactively to protect the First Amendment rights of FLiC and all other student organizations on campus."
The general counsel's letter also states, "As is required of all other student groups, FLiC will be required to meet all pertinent Student Rule 41 requirements on an annual basis."
Shook said it would not be surprising if the issue arose again.
"I believe that the University genuinely desires to do what is fair and just in light of the law, but as there is no federal standard; it could raise concerns again in the future," Shook said.
