ACLJ Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against MD College after Applicant Denied Admission Because of his Christian Faith

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The ACLJ has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of student applicant Brandon Jenkins after the Community College of Baltimore County denied his application because of his Christian faith. The suit, filed in United States District Court in Maryland, quotes College officials who claimed that Jenkins’ expressions of Christian faith were a key reason for denying his admission to a radiation therapy program. Jenkins was otherwise qualified for the position and had excellent scores across all admissions criteria.

“The college asked Mr. Jenkins what was most important in his life, and Mr. Jenkins answered truthfully that God was most important,” said David French, senior counsel at the ACLJ. “Belief in God does not and should not disqualify a student from admission to college, and the university’s blatant and explicit discrimination is intolerable.”

The College explicitly declared its religious discrimination, stating that, “wearing his [religious beliefs] on his sleeve” ultimately cost Jenkins acceptance into the program.

The ACLJ filed the lawsuit Monday in the District of Maryland. The suit seeks damages from the college and demands that it accepts Jenkins into the program without subsequent discrimination or retaliation based on his religion.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.