A federal appeals court dismissed a case on Tuesday brought by a Christian fraternity that clashed with UF after it was not allowed to select members based on religion.
The fraternity, Beta Upsilon Chi, also known as BYX, wanted to accept only Christian members, but UF told the group that was a violation of university policy.
The group filed suit in July of 2007, but UF changed its policy in January and asked the court to dismiss the case, which it did on Tuesday.
The court ruled that the issue was no longer relevant because UF had already changed its policy to reflect the group's wishes.
In an e-mailed statement, Jason Hoyt, executive director of the national chapter of BYX, said he was happy with UF's policy change but wished the court would have ruled against UF and set a precedent that would have to be recognized by other universities.
Nevertheless, he said he hopes other universities will take heed.
"Our hope is that the University of Florida's reversal will serve as a model for other universities and institutions who discriminate against people of faith," the statement read.
Jacob Frye, the president of UF's chapter of BYX, referred comment to a spokesman.
A request for comment from the group's attorney was not returned Tuesday afternoon.
Janine Sikes, UF spokeswoman, said UF is pleased with the court's decision.
"The court recognized that UF proactively changed its student organization registration policy," Sikes said.
Sikes said a number of other universities have also changed their policies to allow student groups to discriminate based on religion, including the University of North Carolina, Arizona State University and Ohio State University.
In addition to BYX, two other student groups had been denied the ability to register with UF as a result of the old policy.
Gator Christian Life and Kappa Upsilon Chi, another Christian fraternity, were also sent letters in January telling them they could register again.
