GOLDEN, Colo., Oct. 5, 2015 – Colorado School of Mines strongly disagrees with the assertion made in a lawsuit filed Oct. 1 that the university impermissibly restricted a donor’s speech based on religious or viewpoint discrimination. The Mines community is made up of many faiths and beliefs and the university aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
As part of the fundraising efforts for Clear Creek Athletic Complex, donors were provided an opportunity to place a recognition plaque on a locker. One donor requested to place two Biblical citations on a plaque. Under recent United States Supreme Court case law, the speech at issue is considered government speech, as it would have been permanently inscribed on university-owned property. As a state institution, Mines must not appear to promote or support one faith or belief over others.
University officials worked with the donor to come to an agreement on an inscription that reflected his intentions and was consistent with Mines’ obligations as a public university. The plaque with the agreed upon inscription was installed and is currently on display in the football team's locker room.
Contact:
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines | kgilbert@mines.edu