A federal appeals court says an Illinois university must reinstate a student group whose status was revoked because its members must pledge to adhere to Christian beliefs. The Christian Legal Society sued Southern Illinois University after the school revoked the group’s registered status, meaning it no longer could use the university’s facilities or name and was ineligible for school funding. The university said the society’s faith requirement violates the school’s affirmative action and nondiscrimination policies. But Christian Legal Society attorney Casey Mattox says, “A religious student organization should not be required to sacrifice its integrity at the altar of political correctness.” Monday’s ruling requires restoration of the group’s status while the lawsuit proceeds.

- AP