Liberty University students appeal to Supreme Court over religious grant denials

Students at Liberty University have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge Virginia's denial of state tuition grants for religious degree programs. The plaintiffs argue that the state's policies unconstitutionally discriminate against faith-based education by withholding publicly available benefits from students whose majors are deemed “too religious.”

The disputes involve the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program and National Guard Tuition Assistance. According to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, funds are ineligible for programs classified under specific codes for vocational, ministerial, or pastoral training, such as Bible studies or religious music. However, academic religion majors under different classifications remain eligible.

Legal representatives from the Alliance Defending Freedom and the National Legal Foundation contend that the distinction is discriminatory. They argue that the government cannot revoke aid simply because a student chooses a major focused on worship or ministry, asserting that such policies treat people of faith as “second class.” The appeal follows previous rulings in federal courts that cited the 2004 Supreme Court decision in Locke v. Davey.