Judge rules that Christian college must open women’s bedrooms & showers to biological males​

A federal judge rejected the College of the Ozarks’ request to sidestep a 2021 directive backed by President Joe Biden that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Judge Roseann Ketchmark issued the ruling denying a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday, following a 2-1/2-hour hearing conducted virtually.

She said an effort by the conservative Christian college to stop the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from applying the new directive would not protect the college from any liability related to unfair housing allegations.

In mid-April, the college sued Biden, HUD and related federal officials with support from the Alliance Defending Freedom. The college requested a jury trial.

The college and ADF argued the directive forced religious schools to violate their views by opening male or female residence halls — including dorm rooms and restrooms — to members of the opposite sex.

News Leader