SUNY Broome Accused of Barring Christian Group’s Own Leaders

A Christian student ministry has taken SUNY Broome Community College to federal court, alleging the Binghamton area school refused to officially recognize the group unless it let non-Christians lead its prayer, worship, and Bible teaching.

Becket, a religious liberty law firm, filed the lawsuit on behalf of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship earlier this month, arguing that SUNY Broome's demand allegedly violates the group's First Amendment rights. A hearing on InterVarsity's request for a preliminary injunction is expected this fall.

Binghamton Chapter Denied Recognition at SUNY Broome

InterVarsity's presence at SUNY Broome traces back to April 2024, when a volunteer student leader started a Bible study on campus that grew to around a dozen students. As the group took shape, students sought the same official recognition already granted to dozens of other campus clubs, which would give InterVarsity reliable meeting space along with funding and recruitment access.

The lawsuit alleges the college told InterVarsity it could keep a statement of faith in its constitution, but could not require its own leaders to actually believe it. InterVarsity says it repeatedly asked the school to reconsider, without success.

"InterVarsity exists to help students know Jesus, grow in their faith, and build friendships that will last a lifetime," said Jake Sonner, a member of InterVarsity Broome. He said the group welcomes any student, but asks that the students leading its prayer and worship actually share the faith they are teaching.

SUNY Broome Case Follows Two Wins for InterVarsity Elsewhere

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship operates more than 1,000 chapters nationwide and describes itself as open to students of any faith or none, while asking that those who lead Bible studies, prayer, and religious teaching sincerely hold its Christian beliefs.

Becket attorney Colten Stanberry compared the college's position to telling a Yankees fan club it has to accept a Red Sox fan as president. He said the firm expects the court to side with InterVarsity, pointing to federal rulings in the group's favor at both Wayne State University and the University of Iowa, where courts found similar leadership requirements were unlawfully blocked.

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This marks the third time in recent years InterVarsity has taken a public college to court over the same leadership standard. The Iowa case involved a broader purge that also removed other Christian, Muslim, and Sikh student groups from campus alongside InterVarsity.