Tag Archives: ZZ: Adams v. Indiana Wesleyan University

ADF Attorney Kevin Theriot writing at Speak Up Movement / Church: “Every once in a while, a judge will write an opinion demonstrating the vital importance of religious freedom. The Honorable William C. Lee in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Indiana did just that in a July 15, 2010 ruling where he rejected a former employee’s request that the court meddle in the affairs of Indiana Wesleyan University. … Because the University is controlled by the Wesleyan Church, the court found the school has complete authority to make decisions about employing those who act as ministers. Under the ministerial exception, courts have no jurisdiction over the employment decisions a church makes in this area.”

Religion Clause Blog: “In Adams v. Indiana Wesleyan University, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71403 (ND Ind., July 15, 2010), an Indiana federal district court applied the ministerial exception to dismiss a Title VII racial discrimination claim filed against a religiously-sponsored university by a former faculty member. Janice B. Adams, an African-American, was employed by Indiana Wesleyan University for 17 years as a Professor and Chair of the Social Work Department.” [case link added by ADF editors]