By Associated Press - Wednesday, January 15, 2014

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.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.