…..What happens now? The College of St. Joseph the Worker and their proponents which includes Del. Pat McGeehan (R-1st) appear to be stuck between the devil and the deep blue Ohio River. Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Richard Lindsay ruled this week that the West Virginia Water Development Board had violated Article III of the West Virginia Constitution (which deals with separation of church and state) when they gave $5 million to the College of St. Joseph the Worker in Steubenville to build a campus in Weirton. The campus would train workers in the trades and the graduates would earn a “bachelor in Catholic Studies.”
……When this happened in December 2024 residents of this area (and of the State) were shaking their heads in disbelief as to how something so blatantly illegal could be pushed through perhaps before Gov. Justice’s term ended. Other laws were broken in a rush to get the proposal through before Baby New Year made an appearance. The Water Board required the signature of one of three cabinet secretaries to be considered by the Board. But, no signature accompanied the proposal and it was unanimously approved by the entire board.
……….The irony of the Catholic College right across the Ohio River receiving funds for a campus in Weirton when the City of Weirton was in a severe water crisis was not lost on citizens. Why establish a campus in Weirton where a fully credential State Community College had a campus that could offer every one of the programs being offered? Not only was it a duplication, the funds put WVNCC at a funding disadvantage. And, if providing jobs is the goal, I’m doubtful that a degree in Catholic Studies prepares any worker for anything but a secular career. Nope, the maneuver stunk of home cookin.
……And, now? The West Virgiinia Water Development Board could appeal the ruling to the State’s Intermediate Court. They have 30 days to provide proof the Judge’s order has been fulfilled. That would mean getting the money back from St. Joseph’s and into the Water Board’s coffers.
…… I doubt if the Water Board will appeal. It will be hard to justify putting up a legal defense on such a shaky, purely political move. The ACL:U is funding the lawsuit for the Humanist Society and they have the deep pockets to take this to the Supreme Court if necessary.
……..Nope, for once I think justice has prevailed. The College of St. Joseph, however, has already purchased the old Weir High from Developer Michael Chek with those funds. Will a for sale sign go on the building again?? Will the College of St. Joseph put their own funds for the program?? I think this is a developing story with many twists and turns and I’m intrigued to see what’s coming next.
