By Mark D. Zimmerman
MELVILLE, New York — Yeshiva University has refused for years to recognize the Y.U. Pride Alliance, an LGBTQ student organization. The organization has sued the university, which argued in court that the school’s “religious freedom” rights as the “world’s premier Torah-based institution of higher education” would be violated if it has to recognize and support the LGBTQ group. The United States Supreme Court recently ruled that the school must obey the decision of the New York State Supreme Court, which stated that because the school is incorporated as an educational institution, not a religious one, it cannot deny the club’s request. In response, Yeshiva University announced that for the time being, they are suspending all student club activities. A lawyer representing the student organization called the university’s action “a throwback to 50 years ago when the city of Jackson, Miss., closed all public swimming pools rather than comply with court orders to desegregate.” There are almost 100 student organizations affected by the University’s decision, including which of the following?
B. The Out-of-Towner Club, whose signup sheet says, “Are you an out-of-towner? Are you looking to make new friends! The Out-of-Towners club has got you covered!”
C. The Rock-Paper-Scissors Club, an organization whose members “engage in serious competition followed by camaraderie and schnaps.”
D. The Catholic Student Organization, which provides “a place of fellowship” for Yeshiva’s Catholic students.
E. The YU Menswear Club, whose mission is “to inspire, educate and introduce students to real world fashion and menswear professionals.”