SPU trustees ask judge to dismiss LGBTQ hiring lawsuit

Four members of Seattle Pacific University's board of trustees have asked a judge to throw out the case against them.

A lawsuit accuses the four trustees of causing harm to SPU by not allowing the school to hire LGBTQ employees.

The named trustees — Matthew Whitehead, Mark Mason, interim SPU President Pete Menjares, and Dean Kato — argue that this case is asking a judge to "referee a religious debate."

A coalition of SPU students, alumni and faculty are suing them for upholding the school's anti-LGBTQ hiring policy in 2022. That came despite coordinated protests and requests by students that the school welcome members of the LGBTQ community to campus.

The plaintiffs allege that the policy is discriminatory, harms the school's reputation, and therefore worsens existing enrollment and hiring struggles.

On Friday, the defendants told a King County Superior Court judge that the students don't have the standing to sue on behalf of the school. They argue the lawsuit is an effort to punish leaders of a religious, evangelical Christian institution.

The judge will decide whether to dismiss the case within 60 days. Otherwise, it is scheduled to go to trial in September.

In response to a request for comment, the university shared a statement from attorney Nathaniel Taylor with Ellis, Li, and McKinstry, which is representing SPU.

“We appreciate the court’s careful consideration of the arguments. Whether the case is dismissed now or later, the lawsuit against these trustees has no merit and ultimately just hurts Seattle Pacific University. The First Amendment means courts do not make decisions about the religious mission of a Christian university.”