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Court Challenge Impairing Ability to Serve Students
SOLDOTNA, AK (August 2, 2005) - Donors have so far contributed $35,000 to
Alaska Christian College (ACC) to help make up for the loss of $431,000
that was appropriated for the school by the federal government, but
which has been tied up in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of
the federal funding.
The federal allocation represents 34 percent of the college's budget,
says Keith Hamilton, the school's president. The college is operated by
the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska.
In a move that has gained international attention, the Freedom From
Religion Foundation based in Madison, Wisconsin, filed suit on April 21
against the U.S. Department of Education, charging that the grants to
ACC are unconstitutional. The group argues that such funding violates
the Constitution because ACC "promotes whole-life discipleship,
including teaching from the Bible and teaching about faith in Christ."
In its website, the foundation describes itself as "a national
membership association of freethinkers: atheists, agnostics and skeptics
of any pedigree."
As a result, scholarships have not been available to students, most of
whom are impoverished Alaskan Natives and Native Americans, Hamilton
notes. Students must now quickly decide whether or not they will be able
to enroll as orientation begins August 26, with classes starting August 30.
Hamilton says the school, which was established in 2000, helps students
transition from village life to their first year of college. Less than
five percent of Alaska Native high school graduates complete even their
first semester of college, statistics show. Last year, 37 students
attended ACC classes, an increase of 33 percent over the previous year.
Including the $431,000, nearly $1 million has been appropriated by the
Department of Education. The school has been able to avoid staff cuts so
far (without the disputed funds), but was unable to meet payroll last
month, Hamilton says. The enclosure of the dining hall is expected to be
completed in three weeks, but work may not be able to continue unless
funding is increased, Hamilton says.
The school recently mailed an appeal letter asking donors to give above
what they have in the past to help make up for the budget shortfall.
Hamilton predicts the suit could easily be tied up in the courts for
three years as he expects appeals will be filed, regardless who wins the
initial lawsuit. No court date has been set.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which helps organizations with
First Amendment issues, is assisting the school with the lawsuit.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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