[Ed Dantes]

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/115315.aspx

CBNNews.com - A Christian student organization accused of "harassment" and "hazing" is taking its battle with Savannah State University to court.

The "Commissioned 2 Love" ministry is suing the university for expelling it over what it believes are unfounded and harsh charges.

The Christian group was suspended in April of last year for allegedly "harassing" students by sharing their faith; and "hazing" students with a foot-washing service for new members of the organization.

Attorneys for the group called the expulsion a clear violation of constitutional rights. The National Legal Foundation, with assistance from the Alliance Defense Fund, filed a lawsuit in federal court on behalf of C2L.

The university expelled the group last fall after several individual members of C2L participated in a contemporary Christian music concert, according to an ADF news release. The event was off campus.

"It's ridiculous that a public university would kick a ministry off campus simply for exercising its First Amendment right to free speech," said Joseph Martins, lead attorney in the case.

NLF's Martins told CBN News that these students boldly shared their faith on campus, spoke out on issues around campus, and publicly encouraged moral lifestyle choices.

"These students were not going to be silent," Martins said. He said their actions obviously didn't sit well with the school leadership, "The university is essentially saying that Christian groups are okay unless they actually practice Christianity."

"This is ridiculous," said ReGale Gardiner, a 1984 graduate of SSU, when CBN News asked for her reaction to the story. "These students should not have been kicked off the campus for spreading the Gospel. They have the right to assemble and meet. I can't see how they broke any laws by showing Godly ways."

Gardiner, a former Miss Savannah State, wondered what this meant for religious freedom on the campus.

"What about other religious groups? Would Muslims get kicked off the campus for assembling?" she asked.

Savannah State University is not a religiously affiliated school. CBN is efforting comments from the university leaders and students. Stay with CBNNews.com for updates as more information is available.

[Libertine]

Interestingly, C2L is still listed on Savannah State's website as one of their student programs.

http://www.savstate.edu/adm/sa/C2L.htm

[PeterParker]

JF could always offer a scholarship for the members of that group...a few more bodies toward 25K goal.