New Saint Andrews College Filed Discrimination Lawsuit
The Moscow institution alleges the city imposed discriminatory zoning and parking restrictions against it.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Law
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New Saint Andrews College has filed a lawsuit in the Idaho United States District Court against the City of Moscow. The complaint alleges that city zoning and parking restrictions unfairly target the religious institution.
Why it matters
The college claims it is held to higher standards than the University of Idaho. It asserts that these city-imposed constraints violate the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and the First Amendment.
The college is seeking both financial damages and a court-ordered injunction against the city. This legal action follows a 2019 city prohibition on downtown college expansion, excluding two existing properties.
The players
New Saint Andrews College
A religious institution based in downtown Moscow.
City of Moscow
The local municipal government currently facing legal action over its zoning policies.
Idaho United States District Court
The federal court where the college filed its religious discrimination complaint.
The details
The dispute centers on zoning policies and parking requirements, including a condition from a 2005 permit for the college's south campus. The college also alleges restrictive oversight regarding a third building rented in 2024 for administrative offices and an art gallery.
Timeline
2005: The college received a south campus permit requiring downtown parking.
2017: The college purchased a building north of its main campus.
2019: The city prohibited downtown college expansion.
2024: The college rented a building for administrative offices and a gallery.
Political Context
The college's lawsuit invokes the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act to challenge local municipal zoning authority. Opponents or city officials may argue that neutral zoning ordinances are necessary for urban planning and public infrastructure, regardless of the property owner's religious status.
Residents may see a change in local land-use policies or city resources diverted to litigation if the court grants an injunction. The outcome could alter future commercial and educational expansion plans within the downtown corridor.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tension between municipal zoning authority and religious land-use protections. Property owners and developers should monitor the court's interpretation of these requirements to understand how local ordinances apply to their own expansion efforts.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Law section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Argonaut.
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