Statement

University comments on preliminary injunction

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill released this statement after receiving a March 2 order and preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in a case involving Alpha Iota Omega, a student religious fraternity:

"The judge’s order is consistent with the draft consent order proposed by the university this week. The university will comply with the order as the case moves forward. That means the university is prepared to recognize AIO if it agrees to meet all university requirements and policies applicable to student groups seeking official recognition, including the non-discrimination policy as interpreted in the court’s order.

We continue to believe in the merits of the university's position and the value of the nondiscrimination policy. The university's goal remains the proper and careful balancing of students' First Amendment rights with the rights guaranteed by the U.S. and North Carolina Constitutions to equal protection of the laws and freedom from discrimination." 

- 30 -

Contact: Mike McFarland, (919) 962-8593