Crown Community,

I am thrilled to share an important update on the PSEO litigation. On Friday evening, we were notified that we had won our case! Judge Brasel stated in her opinion that

“The Faith Statement Ban is unconstitutional under the Free Exercise Clause of the United States Constitution and the Freedom of Conscience Clause of the Minnesota Constitution. The Faith Statement Ban is inseverable from the Nondiscrimination Requirement, and so the Amendment must be stricken in its entirety. As for MDE’s [Minnesota Department of Education] counterclaims, MDE lacks standing to assert its constitutional counterclaims, and its statutory counterclaim fails on the merits under the MHRA.” 

Simply, the judge ruled that Crown (and Northwestern) has the constitutional right to require PSEO applicants to sign a faith statement, and we are allowed to make admissions decisions based on religious beliefs or affiliations. The court also ruled that both sections of the law must be considered together, and MDE does not have the right or standing to countersue.

Crown has a rich history rooted in The Christian and Missionary Alliance, equipping students through a biblically-based, faith-integrated education to impact the world for Christ. Our faith statement is an integral part of our faith community and orients our school and how we exercise our faith.

In 2023, the state tried to force us to abandon our faith statement and our constitutional right to exercise that faith. Crown’s Board of Trustees, myself, and leadership spent time in prayer, discussion, and ultimately decided that it was vital for us to resist this overreach. When the state asserted a countersuit, we stayed the course, knowing that we had the law on our side. But more importantly, as Paul said in Ephesians 3:12 – “in Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

The fight has been long, but we won! There are a few issues still to be wrapped up, and it is possible in the next 30 days that MDE chooses to appeal to the 8th Circuit, and if they do, we are prepared for that as well.

I want to thank the board for their boldness in having us join this lawsuit, the many individuals who assisted with various aspects of the case, Dr. Jen Niska and her leadership, and our attorneys at The Becket Fund and Lathrop GPM.

Most importantly, the full glory and praise go to the Lord and His leading through this very long and complex case. Please take a moment to personally thank and praise our Lord for His grace and favor in this victory.

Serving Together,

Dr. Andrew C. Denton

President