Opinion ID: 1059541
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: is regent pervasively sectarian?

Text: Assessment of whether an institution is pervasively sectarian [8] requires consideration of a general picture of the institution, composed of many elements. Roemer v. Bd. of Pub. Works, 426 U.S. 736, 758, 96 S.Ct. 2337, 49 L.Ed.2d 179 (1976). Although the Supreme Court has relied on several common factors in making this determination, no one distinct formula has emerged. [9] In identifying characteristics of a pervasively sectarian institution, the Court has considered: (1) whether the institution is formally affiliated with a church and the amount of institutional autonomy it enjoys apart from the church with which it is affiliated; [10] (2) whether one of the purposes of the institution is the indoctrination of religion and whether the institution's activities reflect such a purpose or exert dominating religious influence over the academic curriculum; [11] (3) whether the institution reflects an atmosphere of academic freedom; [12] (4) the institution's policy on classroom prayer or other evidence of religion entering into elements of classroom instruction; [13] (5) the existence and utilization of religious qualifications for faculty membership or student admission; [14] and (6) the religious composition of the student population and faculty. [15] Our examination of Regent pursuant to the Establishment Clause and Article I, § 16 of the Constitution of Virginia requires consideration of whether the institution is pervasively sectarian. While Regent (with the exception of the School of Divinity) may not have a primary purpose of religious training or theological education, upon consideration of the factors utilized to determine whether an institution is pervasively sectarian, we hold that Regent is such an institution. The lengthy description of Regent in this opinion amply and conclusively supports this determination.