Orthodox Jewish school Yeshiva University was warned by New York City's chief financial officer, Brad Lander, that it was "at risk" of losing funding if it did not recognize student LGBTQ+ group YU Pride Alliance, reported the Washington Times.
Officials at Yeshiva said the group goes against the values of the Torah, to which YU Pride Alliance argues the university has permitted a similar student organization for its undergraduate and law school students.
The New York State Supreme Court said the university must recognize YU Pride Alliance as it has received "$8.8 million in City funding since 2010," according to the letter by Lander to President Rabbi Ari Berman. That is, on average, $676,923.08 annually from the city.
The letter said: "Students are alleging that your current practices are discriminatory and in violation of the New York City's Human Rights Law. I must urge your institution to change course and offer a secure environment for your LGBTQ+ students and staff to create a supportive space to rightfully express their full selves," reported the Times.
"The University's discriminatory actions may put future funding and associated services at risk," said the comptroller. "By recognizing the YU Pride Alliance, you can help ensure that the rights of LGBTQ+ students at Yeshiva University are respected, celebrated, and upheld."
The LGBTQ+ student group sued the university back in April, 2021, after it denied its ability to organize three times in 2019 and 2020, reported the Times. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor awarded Yeshiva with a temporary stay; only after state appeals could the case be heard.
The appellate court ruled Yeshiva was not a "religious corporation" that was protected under New York State law but was an educational institution, although undergraduates must study the Talmud for as much as five hours daily. Religious protections would only entail "employment, housing and student admissions selection," according to the appeals panel, the Times reported.
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