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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Christian Frat’s Appeal |Is Moot, Circuit Rules

(CN) - The 11th Circuit dismissed as moot a Christian fraternity's claim that the University of Florida violated its constitutional rights by denying official recognition. The university has since allowed Beta Upsilon Chi, known as "Brothers Under Christ," to register.

The Atlanta-based appeals court said it was "[s]atisfied that the controversy has ended."

The university had denied BYX recognition based on its nondiscrimination policy, which once barred registered student organizations from excluding members based on their religious beliefs.

The frat claimed the university's insistence that it comply with this policy violated its First Amendment rights of association, free speech and free exercise of religion.

It sought a court order forcing the university to recognize it as a registered student organization, but the district court denied the motion.

The university then amended its nondiscrimination policy and allowed BYX to register, rendering the appeal moot, according to the 11th Circuit panel.

"The chapter has been registered, and we will not review the manner in which (the university) accomplished the registration," Judge Tjoflat wrote.

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