Federal court protects schools’ freedom to offer faith-based education Faith-based schools can provide pre-college credit to high schoolers through state program

WASHINGTON – A federal court in Minnesota on Friday protected two faith-based universities’ ability to offer free college credit to high school students. In Loe v. Jett, a group of Christian families and schools, with Becket’s help, sued Minnesota in 2023 for excluding universities that require students to sign a statement of faith from the state’s Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program. Friday’s ruling stops the state’s ban on faith-based schools and ensures that students can pursue an education that aligns with their beliefs. 

Minnesota created the PSEO program 40 years ago to enable high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit for free. Through this program, students have been able to attend any eligible public or private school of their choice. Melinda and Mark Loe and Dawn Erickson are parents in Minnesota who have used PSEO funds for their older children to attend two outstanding Christian schools, University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Crown College, that share their religious beliefs. Before their younger children could do the same, Minnesota excluded religious schools like Northwestern and Crown from participating in the PSEO program because they require on-campus students to sign a statement of faith.    

These families and schools challenged Minnesota’s law in federal court in 2023 to stop the state from punishing religious students and faith-based schools. Soon after, Minnesota’s attorney general agreed not to enforce the law while the case is ongoing, allowing schools like Crown and Northwestern to continue shaping their campus environments according to their beliefs, and allowing students to have the choice of an education that aligns with their faith. However, the state continued to argue that the students and families should be cut out of the program. 

Statements for media use: 

Mark and Melinda Loe:  

“We raise our children to put their faith at the center of their lives. Minnesota tried to take that right away from us by denying kids like ours the opportunity to attend schools that reflect their faith. We are grateful for this ruling, which protects students across the state and the schools they want to attend.”  

Corbin Hoornbeek, president at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul: 

“Northwestern exists to provide Christ-centered higher education that equips students to grow intellectually and spiritually, and to serve effectively with God-honoring leadership in their home, church, community, and the world. In 2023, the state attempted to restrict students who desire to take their PSEO credits at Northwestern—an attempt that has been rebuffed. We are grateful that UNW can continue to serve the Minnesota families who wish to get a head start in their college journey as members of our unwavering campus community.” 

Andrew Denton, president of Crown College: 

“As a boldly Christian college, we are grateful for this significant ruling, which ensures we can continue to equip all students—including PSEO students—through a biblically-based, faith-integrated education to impact the world for Christ. The court made clear that Minnesota cannot single out high school students who want to attend a faith-centered institution. We are deeply appreciative to the legislative members who worked hard to try and prevent this law from passing.”

Diana Thomson, senior counsel at Becket: 

“Minnesota tried to cut off educational opportunities to thousands of high schoolers simply for their faith. That’s not just unlawful—it’s shameful. This ruling is a win for families who won’t be strong-armed into abandoning their beliefs, and a sharp warning to politicians who target them.” 

In addition to Becket, the schools and families are represented by Richard C. Landon of Lathrop GPM.  

For more information or to arrange an interview with a Becket attorney, contact Ryan Colby at [email protected] or 202-349-7219.