Colorado College Sued for Denying Bible-Themed Donor Plaque

A graduate of a Colorado university who wanted to cite the names of Bible verses on a donor nameplate in a football locker room sued his alma mater for rejecting the request.

Michael Lucas wanted the plaque recognizing a $2,500 donation he made to be inscribed with "Colossians 3:23" and "Micah 5:9," but not the language from them. The Colorado School of Mines said the inclusion of the verse names would violate the separation of church and state, according a lawsuit filed in Denver federal court last week.

Lucas argues that it constitutes private speech protected by the First Amendment. The university said it is disappointed the former football player sued and disagreed with his claim that it restricted his free-speech rights.