West Virginia University School Of Medicine Professor's Religious Freedom Rights Upheld

Physician May Continue Personal Volunteer Pro-Life Work Without Fear of University Reprimand

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Liberty Institute, on behalf of Dr. Byron C. Calhoun, M.D., a West Virginia University School of Medicine Professor and Vice Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at West Virginia University Hospital's Charleston Division, successfully resolved a dispute with the University triggered by Dr. Calhoun's personal volunteer pro-life activities. In August, Dr. Calhoun was threatened with a written, professional reprimand from the University shortly after some of his volunteer work in the pro-life arena received media attention.  Dr. Calhoun serves as the national medical advisor for the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates.

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Dr. Calhoun, whose volunteer pro-life work is anchored in his religious convictions, turned to Liberty Institute for help.  Under the threat of legal action by Liberty Institute, the University backed off, claiming it never officially filed the reprimand against Dr. Calhoun – despite having provided him with a copy.

"The University made the right decision to withdraw its threat of a reprimand," said Roger Byron, Liberty Institute attorney.  "A government entity must never be allowed to intimidate, threaten or penalize anyone for their religious exercise and related activities.  We are pleased that Dr. Calhoun may continue his invaluable volunteer pro-life work without fear of reprisal from WVU."   

The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates trains and provides legal counsel to life-affirming pregnancy resources centers with the aim of developing faith-based resource centers in every community across the nation.

Liberty Institute is a nonprofit legal group dedicated to defending and restoring religious liberty across America — in our schools, for our churches, in our military and throughout the public arena. Liberty's vision is to reestablish religious liberty in accordance with the principles of our Founding Fathers. For information, visit www.LibertyInstitute.org.

SOURCE Liberty Institute

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