CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Kanawha County judge ended a lawsuit over a $5 million state grant to an out-of-state religious college, ruling the original funding unconstitutional and prompting the West Virginia Water Development Authority to limit future spending to economic development projects.
Kanawha Circuit Judge Richard Lindsay granted summary judgment this week, stating that no legal issues remained after the authority modified the grant’s scope. In his order, Lindsay emphasized that public money cannot support religious education or advocacy but noted that grants remain constitutional when directed toward nonreligious purposes like site development, construction, and workforce training.
West Virginia Judge Rules $5M Grant to Catholic College Violated State Constitution
The College of St. Joseph the Worker, which received the grant, announced it will change its degree offerings so students earn a degree in philosophy instead of Catholic studies. According to court documents, the school also confirmed that grant funds would not cover religious education or salaries.
The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia, representing the American Humanist Association, filed the lawsuit. Leaders from both groups said the case highlights the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars from sectarian use and criticized state officials for approving the grant while many West Virginians still lack essential resources such as clean drinking water.
The Water Development Authority has since updated its documentation to ensure the funds will be spent only on infrastructure, workforce training facilities, and other nonreligious purposes.
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