MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Freedom From Religion Foundation has persuaded the University of Wisconsin-Extension in Madison to remove Gideon Bibles from its 137 guest rooms.
The Madison-based atheist group on Wednesday called the decision a victory for the separation of church and state. Staff attorney Patrick Elliott says private hotels can put any type of literature they want in their guest rooms, but state-run colleges have to remain neutral toward religion.
UW-Extension operates the Lowell Center lodging facility on the UW-Madison campus. A guest found a Bible in the room and complained to the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
The group complained to Ray Cross, then the UW-Extension chancellor. Cross wrote a letter saying the Bibles would be removed by Dec. 1. He also thanked the group for making him aware of the concern.
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