Christian student shockingly dropped from master's program for practicing religious rights

'Traditionally, universities have been places for free exchange of ideas and values, both religious and secular.'

Andrew Cash practiced his religious rights at Missouri State University - and was dismissed from the master's program in counseling as a result.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to the Catholic News Agency, Cash was referring same-sex couples to another counselor in accordance to his personal Christian beliefs.

When he was relieved of both his position and his enrollment in the master's program, Cash decided to take the University to court.

"Traditionally, universities have been places for free exchange of ideas and values, both religious and secular," Thomas Olp, the executive director and attorney for the Thomas More Society, explained.

"Unfortunately, Missouri State University departed from its mission by denying educational opportunity to Mr. Cash simply because he expressed, in an academic setting, sincerely-held religious beliefs which his advisor deemed hostile to her own and therefore unacceptable."

Cash's advisor claimed his refusal to counsel same-sex couples was unethical, while Cash believes he was simply exercising his religious rights.

Olp described Cash's penalization "for expressing his religious views" was uncalled for. The suit claims the counseling program is discriminating against Cash "because he is a Christian and because of his Christian beliefs."

Suzanne Shaw, a spokeswoman for the university, told the Springfield News Leader she couldn't comment, but that the university "strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion or any other protected class."

After a student complained to Cash's faculty advisor, the advisor questioned Cash, who admitted he didn't feel he was the best counselor for same-sex students and referred them to another counselor who could better help them.

The advisor explained Cash's decision was a violation of the American Counseling Association's ethics code, then stated his actions were considered discriminatory against homosexuals.

The advisor then ordered Cash to cease all activities in relation to the internship, which took place at the Springfield Marriage and Family Institute - then took things a step further and wrote to department officials to explain Cash failed to renounce his religious views.

Cash's internship hours were stripped from him and the university later expelled him from the program.

In his lawsuit, Cash is seeking punitive damages and claims he suffered economic injury and "irreparable harm."

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