California Student Founds Pro-Life Club After University Declines National Affiliation

A student at a Southern California Christian university has launched a pro-life campus club after school officials declined to charter a chapter of the national group Students for Life. Vanguard University sophomore Juliana Ebert sought to start a Students for Life chapter this spring. The private Christian school in Costa Mesa did not approve the affiliate application, citing a preference for clubs with original names and missions developed within the university community. Following discussions with administrators, Ebert founded a new independent club named “Vanguard Lions Love Life.” The university approved the group, which will operate with the same pro-life advocacy mission. The situation highlights the complex balance at some religious institutions between supporting traditional values and maintaining internal control over student group affiliations. Vanguard University states all its student organizations must align with its Christian community values.