October 25, 2012

People from different perspectives have raised questions about the status of Tufts Christian Fellowship-Intervarsity at the University, following a vote by the Tufts Community Union Judiciary – which is the judicial arm of student government – to “de-recognize” the TCFI.

It is important to know that the TCFI has not been banned by the University nor lost any of its current privileges. TCFI has the right to appeal the student judiciary’s decision to the Committee on Student Life, a standing committee of the faculty. All the privileges and rights accorded recognized student organizations – including use of space and receipt of funding from student government — are still in place for TCFI pending the appeals process.

Tufts University is committed to religious freedom and a vibrant spiritual life on campus as well as its policy against discrimination. We recognize that this case raises complex as well as deeply felt issues, and we are sure that the Committee on Student Life will also appreciate this complexity should TCFI decide to file an appeal.

Meanwhile, the University Chaplaincy, which works closely with Tufts student religious organizations of all faiths, is actively supporting both students and administration to address the issues raised in this case. This is an ongoing process with a final resolution yet to be determined.