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For the second time in two years the University of North Carolina finds itself embroiled in a First Amendment dispute with Christian groups on campus.

The Chapel Hill school has removed official recognition of Alpha Iota Omega, a Christian fraternity, because its officers have refused to sign an anti-discrimination clause on a university application that would have required the group to accept any student as a member, regardless of religion.

The group was formed five years ago for the purpose of "providing leadership and outreach to the campus Greek community through evangelism and mentorship." Without official recognition, Alpha Iota Omega does not qualify to receive student fee money.

"I'm not sure what our next move is going to be," Trevor Hamm, president of the fraternity, told the Raleigh News & Observer. "I just feel that, legally, as a Christian organization at a public university, we have the right to maintain the Christian nature of our organization."

Hamm has sought assistance from the Philadelphia-based Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), a national civil liberties organization.

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SI Moderator - Greg Gordon