Miscellaneous
Court rules for Iowa student group seeking to ban gay leaders
Business Leaders in Christ must have recognition at University of Iowa
A federal judge has ruled in favor of an Iowa student group seeking to limit gay membership.
A federal judge has ruled in favor of a Christian student group that was denied official recognition by the University of Iowa for refusing to accept gay students in leadership roles.
In a 31-page decision, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose, an Obama appointee, issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday in favor of Business Leaders in Christ on the basis that the University of Iowa was selectively enforcing its non-discrimination policy.
“In light of this selective enforcement, the court finds BLinC has established the requisite fair chance of prevailing on the merits of its claims under the Free Speech Clause,” Rose writes.
Founded in spring 2014, Business Leaders in Christ is a religious group for students at the Tippie College of Business at the university.
Jacob Estell, student president of Business Leaders in Christ, said in a statement the court ruling was a victory.
“The university would never let Iowa State’s Cy the Cardinal lead the Hawkeyes,” Estell said. “So why would it think it is okay to force religious student groups to select leaders who don’t embrace their mission?”
The controversy of the case began in March 2016, when a University of Iowa student and member of Business Leaders in Christ approached the organization’s then-president, Hannah Thompson, about running for vice president.
The student confided to Thompson “he thought he was gay and that he was struggling with how that related to his faith,” according to the court decision. After the two studied scripture on homosexuality and prayed, Thompson said she’d need to consult the group’s leadership on the way forward. The executive committee then determined “the member did not share BLinC’s views of the Bible and did not appear willing to confess and repent of sinful conduct.”
“The board concluded that, due to these disagreements with BLinC’s faith, the member could not lead BLinC in a manner reliably interpreting and applying the Bible’s teachings,” the decision says.
After additional discussion in which the member said he intended to pursue same-sex relationships, Thompson informed him he could remain a member, but wouldn’t be eligible for leadership roles.
In response, the member filed a complaint with the University of Iowa on the basis that he was “denied a leadership position (Vice President) due to my being openly gay.”
The school determined Business Leaders in Christ violated University of Iowa’s human rights policy, which denies official standing to school groups that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. After some additional jockeying in which was the group was invited was invited to revise its policy, University of Iowa Dean of Students Lyn Redington rescinded Business Leaders in Christ’s official standing.
Although Business Leader in Christ is allowed to exist, the lack of official recognition meant it would no longer be eligible for certain benefits, including access to school funds, inclusion in university publications, use of campus facilities for meetings and the ability to apply for honors and awards.
In the aftermath, Business Leader in Christ filed a complaint in federal court in December, which resulted in the decision Rose handed down Tuesday.
At first blush, the federal court ruling seems to defy Supreme Court precedent set in the 2010 decision of Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, which determined public schools can have policies denying official recognition to student groups for refusing to admit gay students.
In her analysis, Rose finds the Martinez ruling applies to the case because the University of Iowa had stripped Business Leaders in Christ of its official recognition on the basis that denying leadership roles to gay students violated school policy.
“Here, the policy is clearly not aimed at any particular view, ideology, or opinion,” Rose writes. “The language is familiar, essentially boilerplate language repeated in similar terms in civil and human rights codes nationwide, including the Iowa Civil Rights Act and the Iowa City Human Rights Code.”
But Rose nonetheless rules in Business Leaders in Christ’s favor on the basis that the school appeared to have selectively enforced its policy. As evidence, she points to Imam Mahdi, a Muslim group, continuing to have official status even though it allows full membership to only Shia Muslims.
“The court must conclude on the current record that BLinC has shown that the university does not consistently and equally apply its Human Rights Policy,” Rose writes. “This raises an issue regarding whether BLinC’s viewpoint was the reason it was not allowed to operate with membership requirements that the university had determined violated the policy, while at the same time Imam Mahdi was not subjected to any enforcement action.”
Rose concludes Business Leaders in Christ is entitled to a preliminary injunction as litigation continues, citing irreparable harm without recognition through the group’s potential loss of school funds and public exposure at University of Iowa.
The court orders University of Iowa to reinstate Business Leaders in Christ’s official recognition for 90 days. After that period, the group may seek further action and the University of Iowa can respond by changing school policy.
Anthony Kreis, a visiting assistant law professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, said the decision “was consistent with Martinez” even though the judge in the case ruled in favor of the student group.
“Importantly, Judge Rose’s ruling didn’t call into question the university’s nondiscrimination policy, but the unequal enforcement of it,” Kreis said. “The key lesson, perhaps, for higher education administrators is that they must be proactive in enforcing their all-comers policies to avoid selective enforcement. Ultimately, this ruling doesn’t undermine Martinez.”
Representing Business Leaders in Christ was the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, the same legal group that represented Hobby Lobby and Little Sisters of the Poor in cases challenging the contraception mandate under Obamacare.
Eric Baxter, senior counsel at Becket, said in a statement the decision in favor of Business Leaders in Christ was a victory for religious freedom.
“The court agreed that the university has to stop discriminating against BLinC because of its religious beliefs,” Baxter said. “Every other group on campus gets to select leaders who embrace their mission. Religious groups don’t get second-class treatment.”
Should the University of Iowa seek an appeal of the decision, the court with jurisdiction would be the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Jeneane Beck, a University of Iowa spokesperson, said the school intends to comply with the court decision, but declined to comment on appeal.
“The court has ordered the university to restore Business Leaders in Christ (BLinC) to registered student organization status for 90 days,” Beck said. “The university respects the decision of the court and has acted accordingly by extending an invitation to BLinC to participate in the student organization fair on January 24. The university will not comment on the merits of the case per its policy on pending litigation.”
Miscellaneous
Stephen Miller’s legal group sues Fairfax County schools
Lawsuit challenges policies for transgender, nonbinary students
Former Trump administration official Stephen Miller’s legal group on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the Fairfax County School District over its policies for transgender and nonbinary students.
America First Legal in a press release notes it filed the lawsuit against the school district on behalf of a female, “practicing Roman Catholic” student “for allowing teenage boys to use the female restrooms and for forcing a radical, government-sponsored gender indoctrination and approved-speech scheme that discriminates against students on the basis of sex and religion and violates their free speech rights under the Virginia Constitution.”
The lawsuit was filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
The Virginia Department of Education last July announced new guidelines for trans and nonbinary students for which Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked. Equality Virginia and other advocacy groups claim they, among other things, would forcibly out trans and nonbinary students.
Fairfax County schools are among the school districts that have refused to implement the guidelines.
“Fairfax County Public Schools appears to believe that its policies and regulations can override the Virginia Constitution’s protections for religious beliefs, speech and from government discrimination on the basis of sex and religious beliefs,” said America First legal Senior Advisor Ian Prior in a press release. “It is well past time for FCPS to stop sacrificing the constitutional rights of its students so that it can implement a state-sanctioned ideology that demands compliance in speech, beliefs and conduct.”
FCPS Pride, a group that represents the Fairfax County School District’s LGBTQ employees, described the lawsuit as “abhorrent.”
“We are confident that the school board and the superintendent will strongly and firmly oppose this specious suit and continue to support all students, including transgender and gender expansive students,” said the group in a press list.
Miscellaneous
More than a dozen LGBTQ candidates on the ballot in Va.
Control of the state Senate hangs in the balance
More than a dozen openly LGBTQ candidates are on the ballot in Virginia on Nov. 7.
State Del. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) is running against Republican Bill Woolf in the newly redistricted Senate District 30 that includes western Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Roem in 2018 became the first openly transgender person seated in a state legislature in the U.S. after she defeated then-state Del. Bob Marshall, a prominent LGBTQ rights opponent who co-wrote Virginia’s constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Roem would become Virginia’s first out trans state senator if she defeats Woolf.
Woolf supports a bill that would require school personnel to out trans students to their parents. The Republican Party of Virginia has highlighted this position in ads in support of Woolf.
“Thank you for reminding me why I won three elections in this district in Prince William County, which is the most diverse county in all of Virginia and the 10th most nationally where we welcome everyone because of who they are, not despite it, no matter what you look like, where you come from, how you worship, if you do, or who you love because you should be able to thrive here because of who you are, never despite it,” said Roem on Sept. 28 in response to a woman who heckled her during a debate with Woolf that took place at Metz Middle School in Manassas.
Gay state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) is running for re-election in Senate District 39. State Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax County), who is also gay, is running for re-election in House District 43.
Former state Del. Joshua Cole, who identifies as bisexual, is running against Republican Lee Peters in House District 65. State Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach), who came out as bisexual last year at Hampton Roads Pride, will face Republican Mike Karslake and independent Nicholas Olenik.
State Del. Marcia “Cia” Price (D-Newport News), a Black woman who identifies as pansexual, is running for re-election in House District 85.
Adele McClure, a queer Democrat, is running to represent House District 2 that includes portions of Arlington County. Laura Jane Cohen, a bisexual woman who is a member of the Fairfax County School Board, is a House of Delegates candidate in House District 15.
Rozia Henson, a gay federal contractor who works for the Department of Homeland Security, is running in House District 19. Zach Coltrain, a gay Gen Zer, is running against state Del. Barry Knight (R-Virginia Beach) in House District 98.
LPAC has endorsed Jade Harris, a Rockbridge County Democrat who is running to represent Senate District 3. Harris’ website notes trans rights are part of their platform.
“Protecting trans rights, repealing right to work, strengthening unions and supporting our farmers are just a few of my legislative priorities,” reads the website. “I am dedicated to addressing the revitalization of our state’s infrastructure, fostering a favorable environment for job creation, and supporting our public education system.”
Republicans currently control the House by a 51-46 margin, while Democrats have a 21-19 majority in the state Senate.
Senate Democrats have successfully blocked anti-LGBTQ bills that Republicans have introduced since Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin took office in January 2022.
The Virginia Department of Education in July released new guidelines for trans and nonbinary students that activists and their supporters have sharply criticized. They fear that Republicans will curtail LGBTQ rights in the state if they regain control of both houses of the General Assembly on Nov. 7.
“Time and time again, anti-equality lawmakers and the Youngkin administration have made it clear that they will continue to disrespect and disregard the lives and lived experience of LGBTQ+ people within Virginia,” said Equality Virginia PAC Executive Director Narissa Rahaman in August when her organization and the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Roem, Ebbin and other “pro-equality champions.”
“We must elect pro-equality champions who will secure and strengthen our freedoms,” added Rahaman. “We have that chance as the eyes of the nation are on us this November.”
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed Fairfax County School Board Vice Chair Karl Frisch and Fairfax County School Board candidates Robyn Lady and Kyle McDaniel, who identify as lesbian and bisexual respectively.
Michael Pruitt would become the first openly bisexual man elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors if he were to win on Nov. 7. Blacksburg Town Councilman Michael Sutphin and Big Stone Gay Town Councilman Tyler Hughes, who are both gay, are running for re-election.
“Tyler will be a critical voice for equality as the only out LGBTQ+ person on the Big Stone Gap Town Council,” says the Victory Fund on its website.
Cal Benn contributed to this article.
Miscellaneous
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Five easy tips to help you avoid common risks
Your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep; it’s your safe haven. As much as you might cherish your home, you should probably also recognize the potential hazards within its familiar walls. Accidents can happen in an instant, yet with a little foresight and some simple adjustments, you can transform your house into a safer haven.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and with a few simple tweaks, you can lower risks in your space. Below you’ll find five tips for each room in your home to help prevent injuries, falls, and other mishaps. In short, home safety.
This article was inspired by a shower in a rental we managed that began leaking through the kitchen ceiling below. If only the landlord had installed grab bars, right!? Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to fortify your bathroom, making it a place of relaxation without the fear of slips and falls. Then, we’ll venture into the room where the magic happens, where proper planning can ensure great nights and peaceful mornings. We’ll show you how to prevent accidents while you experiment becoming the next Gordon Ramsey. And we’ll include a few surprising solutions for those other rooms that hold their own unique hazards, offering solutions to safeguard against unexpected mishaps.
Bathroom Safety
Install Grab Bars: Adding grab bars near the shower and toilet can provide essential support for family members of all ages. Not only can they help with getting in and out, but they can help provide stability when washing. Make sure they are securely anchored to the wall.
Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside the shower and bathtub to prevent slips. They’re a small investment that can save you from falls and head injuries.
Adjust Water Temperature: Ensure your hot water is set to a safe temperature to avoid scalding. The hot water heater should be set to around 120°F (49°C)l, the middle setting on many water heater settings.
Medicine Cabinet Locks: If you have young children, use childproof locks on your medicine cabinet to keep harmful substances out of reach.
Proper Lighting: Ensure there’s adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid trips and falls during nighttime visits. Nightlights can be a simple and effective solution.
Bedroom Safety
Clear Pathways: Keep pathways in the bedroom clutter free to prevent tripping. Ensure there’s enough space to move around comfortably, particularly getting around the bed. Be aware where all furniture is when walking around to avoid stubbed toes, particularly at night.
Secure Rugs: If you have throw rugs, use rug grippers or double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Loose rugs are a common trip hazard.
Bed Rails: For anyone at risk of falling out of bed, consider installing bed rails to provide extra support and prevent falls.
Nightstands with Drawers: Opt for nightstands with drawers to keep essential items. This reduces the need to get out of bed at night, minimizing the risk of falls, as you race to grab what you need and not lose a moment’s rest.
Fire Safety: Install battery-operated smoke detectors in the bedrooms if there are none. Make sure to install them 36 inches away from an air vent or the edge of a ceiling fan. Also six inches away from the joint between the wall and ceiling. And test smoke detectors regularly.
Kitchen Safety
Non-Slip Flooring: Choose slip-resistant rugs in the kitchen, especially in areas where spills are common. Mats near the sink and stove can also help and you can often buy them fairly cheaply at Costco.
Childproof Cabinets: If you have little ones, use childproof latches on cabinets and drawers to prevent them from accessing potentially hazardous items.
Anti-tip brackets: Install an anti-tip bracket behind the range. These are often used when children are in the home. Although they are less likely to open the oven door and use it as a step stool to get to the stove-top, adults can also benefit from installing these.
Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in the kitchen to avoid accidents. Under-cabinet lighting can illuminate work areas effectively.
Secure Heavy Items: Ensure heavy pots and pans are stored at waist level to prevent straining or dropping them from high shelves.
Sharp Object Storage: Keep knives and other sharp objects in a secure drawer or block. And handle all sharp items with extreme care, even when washing and drying. These steps reduce the risk of accidental cuts.
Other Safety Tips
Furniture Anchors: Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to the wall to prevent tip-overs, especially if you have young children.
Adequate Outlets: Check for damaged outlets and replace them promptly. Avoid overloading circuits with too many devices. Install placeholder plugs in outlets to prevent young curious fingers (or tongues?) from going inside an electrical outlet.
Stair Gates: If your home has stairs, install safety gates at the top and bottom to prevent falls, especially if you have toddlers or pets to keep them off of the stairs when you cannot monitor them.
Emergency Escape Plan: Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting place outside.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: If your home burns any fossil fuels for heating or appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors in common areas of your home to detect this odorless gas. The D.C. building codes require this if you use a fireplace or if you have an attached garage. In essence, if there is any potential source of carbon monoxide in the home, be sure to install these detectors.
Remember, a safer home not only prevents accidents but also provides peace of mind for you and your family. Implement these simple tips to create a secure environment in every room of your house.
With these practical tips and a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and falls in your home. Enjoy peace of mind in your now much safer haven.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management.
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