University of Wisconsin v. Southworth

Last modified 2011.09.15


  • Status Closed
  • Type Amicus
  • Court U.S. Supreme Court
  • Issues Government-Supported Religion, Schools and Learning

Religious students at the University of Wisconsin challenged a student fee system that they alleged required them to pay for the activities of liberal student clubs and organizations, some of which advocate social positions with which they disagree.

On June 14, 1999, AU filed an amicus brief on behalf of neither side that encouraged the high court to be mindful of the effect the decision would have on future funding cases. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the fee system on March 22, 2000, holding that the students were not required to pay for any particular expression but merely to support a forum for diverse expression and views.

BREAKING NEWS

Americans United & the National Women’s Law Center file suit to challenge Missouri’s abortion bans.

Abortion bans violate the separation of church and state. Americans United and the National Women’s Law Center—the leading experts in religious freedom and gender justice—have joined forces with thirteen clergy from six faith traditions to challenge Missouri’s abortion bans as unconstitutionally imposing one narrow religious doctrine on everyone.


Join the Fight and Donate Today