Students sue University of Oklahoma for religious discrimination

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Two students have sued the University of Oklahoma, claiming the school discriminated against them by refusing to fund a Christian newspaper. <br><br>The students claim they were

Monday, February 23rd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Two students have sued the University of Oklahoma, claiming the school discriminated against them by refusing to fund a Christian newspaper.

The students claim they were told funding for the Beacon OU newspaper was rejected quote: ``because it is religious propaganda and takes a stance on many issues.''

According to the lawsuit filed Friday in U-S District Court, the University of Oklahoma Student Association's 2004 handbook prohibits use of funds for ``religious services of any nature.''

The students -- Ricky Thomas and James Wickett -- claim the university is restricting their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, religion and the press. They also claim the university violated their constitutional rights to due process, equal protection and freedom of association.

The lawsuit requests the university's regulations be overturned and unspecified damages be awarded to the students.