A counseling student at Augusta State University (ASU) unjustly faces expulsion for expressing her religious beliefs. According to a lawsuit filed by the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), student Jennifer Keeton will face expulsion for expressing her religious beliefs regarding homosexuals and transgendered people. She will be expelled unless she completes a “remediation plan,” which would require her to expose herself to homosexual culture and write reflection papers in response.

To justify its actions, ASU cites the “American Counseling Association Code of Ethics,” which prohibits counselors from discriminating against clients based on their sexual orientation. At issue here is not the code itself, but rather that ASU is applying it in a grossly unconstitutional manner. Keeton did not discriminate against a client. All Keaton did was express her religious beliefs regarding homosexuality, an act entirely protected by the first amendment.

We applaud the ADF for taking on this case. ASU, as a government agency, cannot possibly justify using the Code of Ethics to deny someone’s right to free speech. Considering no act of discrimination has taken place, the only reason ASU punished Keaton is because she expressed beliefs that officials found politically incorrect.

If ASU challenges the ADF’s lawsuit in court, we expect them to lose handily. ASU would be well-advised to follow the University of Illinois and immediately reverse its unconstitutional punishment. Any other action or inaction is detrimental to constitutional democracy and religious liberty.

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