Covenant News

Court Challenge Impairing Ability to Serve Students

SOLDOTNA, AK (August 2, 2005) - Donors have so far contributed $35,000 to Alaska Christian College (ACC) to help make up for the loss of $431,000 that was appropriated for the school by the federal government, but which has been tied up in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal funding.

The federal allocation represents 34 percent of the college's budget, says Keith Hamilton, the school's president. The college is operated by the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska.

In a move that has gained international attention, the Freedom From Religion Foundation based in Madison, Wisconsin, filed suit on April 21 against the U.S. Department of Education, charging that the grants to ACC are unconstitutional. The group argues that such funding violates the Constitution because ACC "promotes whole-life discipleship, including teaching from the Bible and teaching about faith in Christ." In its website, the foundation describes itself as "a national membership association of freethinkers: atheists, agnostics and skeptics of any pedigree."

As a result, scholarships have not been available to students, most of whom are impoverished Alaskan Natives and Native Americans, Hamilton notes. Students must now quickly decide whether or not they will be able to enroll as orientation begins August 26, with classes starting August 30.

Hamilton says the school, which was established in 2000, helps students transition from village life to their first year of college. Less than five percent of Alaska Native high school graduates complete even their first semester of college, statistics show. Last year, 37 students attended ACC classes, an increase of 33 percent over the previous year.

Including the $431,000, nearly $1 million has been appropriated by the Department of Education. The school has been able to avoid staff cuts so far (without the disputed funds), but was unable to meet payroll last month, Hamilton says. The enclosure of the dining hall is expected to be completed in three weeks, but work may not be able to continue unless funding is increased, Hamilton says.

The school recently mailed an appeal letter asking donors to give above what they have in the past to help make up for the budget shortfall. Hamilton predicts the suit could easily be tied up in the courts for three years as he expects appeals will be filed, regardless who wins the initial lawsuit. No court date has been set.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which helps organizations with First Amendment issues, is assisting the school with the lawsuit.

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