Law school to open at Trinity Western University in September 2016

VICTORIA – British Columbia’s advanced education minister has granted consent for a proposed law school at the private Trinity Western University based in Langley.

Amrik Virk says a review by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada has confirmed that graduates of the program could meet the national standards to practise law.

Virk’s decision was also based on a recommendation by the Degree Quality Assessment Board, established by his ministry.

Virk says he’s aware of some opposition to the program based on the Christian university’s community covenant, which calls on students and staff to refrain from extramarital sexual activity.

Jennifer Watton, a spokeswoman for the university, says the covenant, which also covers issues such as hazing, verbal and physical harassment and plagiarism, applies to all students and staff, not just gays and lesbians.

The law school at the university, which does not get operating or capital funding from the government, is expected to be launched in September 2016.