Appeals Court Rules Faith-Based Prison Program Can Resume in St. Cloud

(KNSI) – Nearly two years after it was shut down, a program that teaches inmates at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud about manhood and faith is coming back.

The United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Minnesota, ruled the volunteer program Quest for Authentic Manhood does not violate the Constitution. Tony Schmidt, who brought the program to the prison and ran it for eight years, told KNSI, “It’s a Christian-based program, and we talk about Christianity and we talk about marriage between a husband and a wife, and that type of stuff. I guess some of that stuff they didn’t like, apparently.”

The Minnesota Department of Corrections ended the program, saying it conflicted with its diversity, equity, and inclusion values. Schmidt stressed the classes are optional. “The men who come into the program volunteer. And they can leave the program anytime they want. If they don’t like something that we’re talking about, they’re free to leave. But most of them that sign up complete the program. And a lot of times before the next program even begins, we have a waiting list.”

He says the impact is real. “I’ve seen over a thousand men go through the program with lives changed. And the resentments are healed, and families are restored. And it’s just a great program. It’s just amazing to see what God does to them.”

Schmidt worked with the Upper Midwest Law Center and True North Legal to sue the Department of Corrections. The appeals court said he is likely to succeed on his First Amendment claim and ordered the program reinstated while the case returns to the U.S. District Court in Minnesota. Schmidt hopes to restart by the end of the month.

Read the ruling by clicking here.

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