Video screengrab/ Luther Rice
CV NEWS FEED // Georgia is now allowing Luther Rice College and Seminary to participate in the state’s collegiate financial program, in resolution of a lawsuit filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).
“Georgia officials did the right thing by allowing Luther Rice to participate in student aid programs while still adhering to its religious beliefs, character, and exercise,” stated ADF Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker, director of the Center for Christian Ministries, in a Dec. 20 ADF article.
The ADF reports that Georgia allows colleges, including private and religious colleges, to participate in the state’s financial aid programs; however, they do not allow “school[s] or college[s] of theology or divinity.”
Luther Rice was considered a school of theology “because it has a religious mission, awards religious degrees, and teaches all of its courses from a Christian perspective,” according to the ADF.
In October, ADF lawyers filed Luther Rice College and Seminary v. Riley against the Georgia Student Finance Commission and Georgia Student Finance Authority, headed by Lynne Riley.
This month, Georgia officials allowed the school to participate in the state’s financial aid program in order to settle the lawsuit, according to ADF.
Luther Rice President Dr. Steven Steinhilber expressed gratitude to both ADF and Georgia for the resolution.
“This endeavor was not just an opportunity to defend our religious freedom,” said Steinhilber, “but it was also an opportunity to demonstrate the value of a Christian education… I look forward to providing our Georgia residents an affordable biblically based education that is so vital for our time.”
Tucker said, “We’re pleased that Georgia high school students can now receive dual credit by taking classes at Luther Rice and that college students who choose Luther Rice can apply for much-needed financial aid. The state should never limit educational opportunities for students based on their faith.”
