²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵAPP¹ÙÍø

The Student Bar Association (SBA) at Washington University School of Law voted 27-6, with 4 abstentions, to recognize Law Students Pro-Life. This vote overturned two earlier decisions that denied recognition to Law Students Pro-Life, the critical first vote having been 27-10-1 against the group. In a September 9, 2002 letter of rejection to Law Students Pro-Life, the SBA termed "the catching issue" what they labeled "the narrowness of the group's interests and goals." The SBA "felt that the organization was not touching on all possible Pro-Life issues" because it did not have an "anti-death penalty" position in its constitution. ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵAPP¹ÙÍø wrote the chancellor of Washington University and the dean of the law school objecting because the SBA had engaged in a double standard and had violated Washington University's commitment to free speech and free religion. After receiving no response, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵAPP¹ÙÍø took the case public, formed an alliance with the Eastern Missouri ACLU and organized a petition signed by professors, law students, undergraduates, and private citizens from around the country. "FIRE's advocacy made all the difference," said Jordan Siverd, chairman of Law Students Pro-Life.