University president Joseph F. Sheley released a statement to the members of the CSU Stanislaus faculty and staff regarding California State University’s decision not to recognize the Stanislaus Christian Fellowship, Chi Alpha.
Sheley explained what a recognized organization is and how Stanislaus Christian Fellowship will be effected by the decision.
“In order to be ‘recognized,’ student organizations on a CSU campus (by law, “any fraternity, sorority, living group, honor society or other student organization”) must comply with campus regulations,” Sheley said in his statement. “Recognition (a status defined by state law) affords use of campus facilities and other benefits and services- effectively, the use of state resources. Removal of recognition does not disband the organization nor affect its individual members’ enrollment as students. It dictates niether personal belief nor action. It simply limits access to the use of facilities and benefits, resources and priviledges provided to recognized organizations.”
Sheley explained why the university came to their decision.
“State law governs the CSU’s position regarding student organizations on CSU campuses through the state’s very specific prohibition of recognition to student organizations that discriminate ‘on the basis of race, religion, natural origin, color, age , gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation or disability,'” Sheley said in his statement. “The law and attendant CSU policy mandate yearly examination of the organization’s constitution to ascertain compliance. In 2013, CSU campuses reached out to all student organizations and provided a year’s notice to any and all that the law in question would be strictly enforced in 2014 and beyond.”
“The organization in question is one of three that are religious-based; the constitutions of the other two are in compliance. We stand ready to work with the group’s membership to resolve the matter. However, at present, they view themselves as opposed in principle to the legal requirement we cite. Informed by legal counsel, we view ourselves as unable to ignore the law.”
In his closing remarks, Sheley assured the university isn’t trying to discriminate against any student.
“The University never would discriminate against any group because it is religious in nature,” Sheley said in his statement. “However, we must comply with state law. We are hopeful that the present situation will be resolved soon. These are our students. We want them to have access to all that we legally can provide to enhance their experience while in college.”