Protecting Religious Freedom of West Virginia University Professor
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Dr. Byron C. Calhoun, M.D. is a professor at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and vice chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at West Virginia University Hospitals’ Charleston Division. 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, which trains and provides legal counsel to life-affirming pregnancy resources centers with the goal of developing faith-based resource centers across the nation. This volunteer, pro-life work is anchored in Calhoun’s religious convictions.
After being threatening by the university, Calhoun turned to Liberty Institute 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 his or her 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.”
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