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PETERSBURG, Va. — October 7, 2026
Two Christian student organizations are suing Virginia State University, alleging a new campus ministry policy stripped them of independent recognition and subjected their religious activities to university oversight while exempting non-Christian groups.
Women of Victory and Bethel Campus Fellowship filed the federal lawsuit Sept. 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The organizations contend that the public university’s policy violates their First Amendment rights.
No Court has ruled on those allegations.
Christian Groups Challenge Virginia State University Policy
According to the federal docket and Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents the organizations, VSU adopted its new Campus Ministries Policy in August. The plaintiffs say “student-led ministries” lost registered student organization status and could no longer maintain independent affiliation with their national organizations.
Instead, the complaint says affected ministries operate under VSU Campus Minister Thomas Wynn and an advisory board of faculty and university employees.
Local station WTVR reported that ADF attorney Mercer Martin said Christian groups must receive permission before meetings and other religious activities. Martin described the arrangement as giving a university-sponsored campus minister extensive authority over Christian expression on campus.
The lawsuit alleges the Muslim Students Association and VSU Community Faith Alliance are exempt from the policy. ADF identifies them as VSU’s only non-Christian religious organizations.
Key Facts in the Virginia State University Lawsuit
- Plaintiffs: Women of Victory and Bethel Campus Fellowship
- Filed: Sept. 24, 2026
- Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division
- Policy adopted: August 2026
- Campus minister: Thomas Wynn
- Legal representation: Alliance Defending Freedom
- Central allegation: Christian ministries are subjected to restrictions that do not apply equally to other religious and secular student organizations.
Lawsuit Alleges Restrictions Reached Beyond Ministry Events
The Christian Post reported that the complaint describes earlier doctrinal disagreements between Women of Victory and Wynn. According to the complaint, Wynn attempted to halt a Women of Victory “deliverance” event in April because he disagreed with its subject matter.
12 On Your Side reported another allegation: ADF attorney Mercer Martin said students were reprimanded after holding an informal pajama party without going through the campus minister.
WTVR also reported Martin’s claim that a previous arrangement transporting students to an off-campus church was discontinued under the policy.
“The First Amendment clearly establishes the right of all student organizations to associate around shared beliefs.” —Tyson Langhofer, Alliance Defending Freedom
Women of Victory founder and executive director Jneva Norfleet said in an ADF statement that it was “disheartening” to see the chapter lose its registered status, rights and benefits.
Virginia State University Has Not Responded to Allegations
Local and national outlets reported that Virginia State University had not responded to requests for comment when their stories were published. As of the latest reporting reviewed by AWAKE America, VSU had not filed its formal response to the lawsuit.
The university’s own online directory identifies Wynn as its campus minister, while VSU’s student-support webpage separately lists Campus Ministries and the Muslim Student Association under Spiritual and Religious Affairs.
The plaintiffs are asking the federal Court to restore their ability to operate as registered student organizations. WTVR reported that the suit also seeks reimbursement of certain student activity fees.
Christian Perspective: Standing Firm for Biblical Truth
For Christians, this lawsuit raises a question extending beyond one university: Should believers be free to gather around distinctly Christian doctrine without government officials determining how that faith maybe expressed?
Scripture repeatedly calls believers to remain faithful to Christ even when obedience carries a cost. When Peter and the apostles were commanded to stop teaching in Jesus’ name, they answered, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29).
That Scripture does not determine the constitutional merits of this lawsuit; those questions belong to the Court. But it does remind Christians that faithfulness to Jesus Christ cannot ultimately depend upon cultural approval or institutional permission.
As this case proceeds, believers can pray for truth, justice and wisdom—for the students, university officials, attorneys and the judge involved.
Pray for Christian Students
Pray that Christian students across America will stand courageously on the Word of God while demonstrating the grace and truth of Christ.
POSTA PRAYER IN AMERICA’S PRAYER ROOM
Then discover opportunities to gather with other believers and pray for spiritual awakening across America.
Faith Evans Pearson
Faith Evans Pearson is the AWAKE America Community Manager, progressing the ministry’s mission through creative strategy, social media, digital campaigns, and content—to boldly share the Truth of the Gospel, equip the saints, and encourage believers in the US and abroad.
