Partial legal victory for student rejected by college, in part because of comment on faith

March 25, 2015

A federal district court has permitted a lawsuit against officials of the Community College of Baltimore County to proceed.

During an interview for entrance into a radiation therapy program, Brandon Jenkins was asked, “What is the most important thing to you?” He answered, “My God.” The interview then proceeded to other topics.

After he was rejected by the program, Jenkins e-mailed the program director to ask why he was rejected. She cited various reasons, including his remark in the interview, writing:

I understand that religion is a major part of your life and that was evident in your recommendation letters, however, this field is not the place for religion. We have many patients who come to us for treatment from many different religions and some who believe in nothing at all. If you interview in the future, you may want to leave your thoughts and beliefs out of the interview process.

The district court ruled that Jenkins’s lawsuit could proceed on establishment-clause grounds but not on free speech or free exercise grounds.

 

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Further information:

• College Admission Denial Because of Religious References In Interview Supports Establishment Clause Claim (Religion Clause)
• ACLJ Files Lawsuit On Behalf of Student Denied College Admission Because of His Faith (ACLJ)