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UCLA student’s religious liberty challenged…


UCLA student’s religious liberty challenged…
May and June traditionally are joyous times for high school and college graduates and their families. As graduates close a chapter of their lives and look toward new goals, many celebrations include recognition of family and faith support. However, each year Christian students encounter challenges of censorship from the “free” expression of their faith in Jesus Christ and God’s help in academic achievement. This year is no exception. At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a professor attempted to prohibit Christina Popa, a graduating student, from saying “I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” in her graduation statement. The professor justified her stance by stating that the expression of “Jesus” may violate the separation of church and state doctrine or offend those in attendance.
After public outcry, UCLA ultimately overruled the professor and permitted the student to freely express her gratitude to Jesus as her personal right. While we can be grateful that the University re-affirmed Christina’s rights, we should be concerned that our public universities continue to re-affirm the false belief that the “separation of church and state doctrine” is contained in the United States Constitution. 
The Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This clause clarifies that government cannot prohibit religious expression. While some hold that “separation of church and state” is housed within the U.S. Constitution, the term actually finds its roots in a letter to the Danbury Connecticut Baptist Association in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson. In the letter, Jefferson responds to concerns raised by the Danbury Baptist Association, attempting to assuage the group’s concern by referring to the language of the Establishment Clause as a protection of the church from the powers of the state.
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