Hebrew Union College moves to dismiss Ohio lawsuit, cites religious interference

Hebrew Union College (HUC) is fighting back against a lawsuit filed by the state of Ohio, arguing that the state's legal action infringes upon religious freedom. The Reform movement's central rabbinical seminary filed a motion to dismiss the suit, asserting that it violates the First Amendment by entangling the government in religious matters and contravenes "foundational Jewish religious doctrine."

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violates the First Amendment by entangling government and religion.

The lawsuit, originally filed by then-Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, accuses HUC of misleading donors by closing degree-granting programs at its historic Cincinnati campus, especially after actively fundraising there. Yost also claimed the college violated its charter, which stipulated the permanent maintenance of a presence in the city.

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is an unconstitutional and illegal governmental assault upon religion.

HUC's motion contends that the state's attempt to seize HUC's Ohio assets and redirect them to a new nonprofit is an "unconstitutional and illegal governmental assault upon religion." The college argues that the Attorney General lacks the authority to dictate the religious affairs of institutions like HUC.

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The Attorney General has no role in dictating the religious affairs of institutions like HUC. The Court should reject his overreach into religious matters and should dismiss the Complaint because it is unconstitutional and unlawful.

While HUC plans to close its Cincinnati rabbinical program, it intends to preserve other significant assets on campus. These include the Klau Library, the American Jewish Archives, and the Skirball Museum. HUC President Andrew Rehfeld stated that these decisions were made thoughtfully to ensure the institution's long-term success and its ability to continue graduating Jewish leaders, citing "Jewish demographic realities" and passages from the Torah as part of its religious mission.

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These decisions were made thoughtfully and responsibly to ensure the long-term success of the institution and our ability to continue graduating strong Jewish leaders.