New Saint Andrews College has filed a federal civil lawsuit against the City of Moscow, alleging that local zoning restrictions and permit requirements violate its constitutional right to freely exercise religion.
The complaint, filed by Washington D.C. law firm Cooper & Kirk, asserts that the city’s actions burden the college’s religious operations and prevent necessary expansion. The institution, which has operated in downtown Moscow since 2002, claims the municipality effectively prohibited educational uses in the district after the college was established.
According to the filing, the city imposed specific restrictions on New Saint Andrews College regarding its administrative building, including mandatory parking requirements and the need to maintain a Conditional Use Permit. The lawsuit argues these measures are not applied equally to other downtown entities.
Allegations of Unequal Treatment
The complaint draws a direct comparison between the treatment of New Saint Andrews College and that of the University of Idaho. It states that several University of Idaho operations located in downtown Moscow—including a medical program, a civil rights office, and an art gallery—are exempt from the rules imposed on the private college.
The suit further alleges that four members of the Moscow City Council, who have close ties to the University of Idaho, made key decisions that created the basis for this alleged discrimination. The filing demands a jury trial.
Cited Laws and Public Statements
New Saint Andrews College claims violations of multiple legal protections, including the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Idaho Constitution, the National Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, and the Idaho Free Exercise of Religion Protected Act.
The complaint also references a public statement made by former Moscow City Councilwoman Julia Parker. NSA attorneys state that Parker was referencing the college’s denomination, Christ Church, when she described the community as “a good, welcoming, kind community” while noting they fight “this Christian nationalist church.”
The City of Moscow released a brief statement on Tuesday acknowledging receipt of the complaint and stating that officials are currently reviewing the legal filing. New Saint Andrews College currently enrolls approximately 350 students.