Last week in the media a story was covered about the Federal Court of Appeal’s ruling against the practice of parents “making donations to Trinity Western University, and other Christian schools, apparently in exchange for scholarships.”
Several points need to be corrected.
The media has chosen to focus on TWU and the issue as if it is a current practice. TWU was one of several institutions whose students received scholarships through a program of the National Foundation for Christian Leadership (NFCL), under legal advice that suggested that their program was entirely within the bounds of the law at the time. TWU did not operate the program. The NFCL, an entirely separate organization, ran the program. The practice ceased approximately eight years ago, as soon as legal advice was received that indicated there may be concerns with the nature of the tax deduction.
TWU operates as a member in good standing in the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Last year, through budget allocations and with the generous support of the University’s donors, faculty, staff, corporate partners, and friends, Trinity Western awarded $8.65 Million in scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. This was accomplished through the Trinity Western Fund, endowed scholarships, entrance awards, and other University programs. To find out more about TWU’s giving programs visit www.twu.ca.
Update: March 28, 2011
National Post prints Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D.'s, letter to-the-editor, "Christian school responds."