Court: College Within Rights To Deny Fraternity
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A college was within its rights when it refused to recognize a fraternity that banned women as members but sponsored trips to mixed-gender social venues such as strip clubs, a federal appeals court has found.
The College of Staten Island had refused to bestow official recognition on the fraternity, called Chi Iota Colony, on grounds that it violated the school’s policy against gender discrimination.
The 18-member group describes itself as a Jewish organization that carries the traditional values of men’s college social fraternities, engages in community service, and allows the expression of Jewish culture.
The lack of official recognition means the fraternity loses the use of school facilities and services, the eligibility for insurance through the school, the right to use the school’s name, and the opportunity to apply for funding from the student government.
The lawyer for the fraternity, Gregory Hauser, said he was disappointed and felt the appeals court had given inadequate consideration to Supreme Court precedent.
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s office, which represented the college in the case, said in a statement it was pleased the court had recognized the school’s right to deny funds and official recognition to a student group that discriminates against women.
“This opinion rightly enables the College of Staten Island to pursue their commitment to creating a community devoid of prejudice,” Mr. Cuomo said.