The National Press Club will host a discussion sponsored by the American Constitution Society next Wednesday, April 7, from 12 PM to 2 PM. Panelists will include the Baptist Joint Committee's K. Hollyn Hollman, and former BJC counsel Melissa Rogers along with other constitutional law experts discussing the Supreme Court's upcoming hearing in CLS v. Martinez.
This case raises issues at the intersection of anti-discrimination and religious freedom principles that have tested courts, and led to conflicting decisions. Does the school have a legitimate interest in limiting the provision of public funds and benefits to student groups that agree to abide by the school's viewpoint-neutral, non-discrimination policy to ensure that all students have equal access to all school-sanctioned groups? Or does the school's policy violate a student group's rights to free speech, expressive association, and free exercise of religion? A diverse group of experts will offer an analysis of the case and its implications, and preview some of the arguments likely to be made before the Supreme Court when it hears the case on Monday, April 19, 2010.
Hopefully, C-Span will pick up this discussion. Will let you know!
You can read the BJC's friend-of-the-court brief here, and read a Q & A with Hollman about the case and the BJC's view here. The oral arguments before the court are scheduled for Monday, April 19.
