Religious Discrimination — Not Economic Stimulus

There’s a little-known provision in the economic stimulus package that is most troubling – a discriminatory provision that prohibits higher education facilities that accept federal stimulus funds from permitting religious groups and organizations from using those facilities.

The provision states that grants awarded under Section 803 “shall be for the purpose of modernizing, renovating, and repairing institution of higher education facilities that are primarily used for instruction and research…” The measure states that funds may not be used for the “modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities–(i) used for sectarian instruction, religious worship, or a school or department of divinity; or (ii) in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission.”

Under this provision, student groups would be barred from using facilities for worship or even Bible study if the school accepts the federal stimulus funds. And it would bolster efforts by those who would like nothing more than to strip religion and faith from our culture.

This is an unacceptable provision that clearly discriminates against religious organizations that have a legal right to use these facilities. And it represents the latest effort by an Administration and Congress that is pushing to use federal taxpayer funds for a host of disturbing initiatives.

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) has introduced an amendment that would invalidate this discriminatory provision aimed at curtailing religious activity. We urge members of the Senate to support this amendment.

We know that the American people don’t want their tax dollars used for discriminatory measures. Don’t disguise ‘economic stimulus’ as religious discrimination.