Friend:

I’ve got more good news to share today!

I know I told you last week about how AU won an important victory in our case concerning access to birth control for Notre Dame students. I’m happy to report that AU secured a second important victory this month – one that was years in the making.

Together with the New Jersey and national ACLUs, AU had brought a lawsuit in 2013 to stop then-Gov. Chris Christie from directing over $11 million in taxpayer aid to two religious higher-ed institutions that exist primarily for theological training. This was a blatant violation of New Jersey’s Constitution, which protects taxpayers from being forced to fund religious ministries.

Under pressure from our lawsuit, one religious institution withdrew its application last year, and the other abandoned its application earlier this month, ensuring that New Jersey taxpayers’ money will not fund religious education.

I know you know this already, but I just wanted to say it out loud: AU’s legal team is par none! Please pause with me this Saturday to feel gratitude for their expertise and savvy.

Unfortunately the question of taxpayer-funded private religious education is still very alive. On Wednesday, AU was at the Supreme Court to watch oral arguments in Espinoza v. Montana Dept. of Revenue, a case that could decide if taxpayers can be forced to fund private religious education nationwide. AU filed friend-of-the-court briefs in both the Montana and U.S. Supreme Courts in this case.

AU Staff at the Supreme Court oral arguments on Wednesday
Left to right: Associate Legal Director Alex Luchenitser, CEO Rachel Laser and Legal Director Richard Katskee

With hope and determination,