Because of the voluntary nature of letters of recommendation this is likely a freedom of association issue.
Because of the voluntary nature of letters of recommendation this is likely a freedom of association issue.
The complaint was filed by the law firm to the Department of Justice. The term complaint is usually associated with criminal misconduct (e.g. violation of civil right) though, presumably, it could be a violation of a civil statute, like terms of funding.
My point is that the complaint was not brought by the professor nor was it brought ignorant of federal law.
IMHO, the free association defense will not work if the DoJ finds there is probable cause for a criminal violation of civil right - point being whether the professor denied the student a right under the law because of the student's religious beliefs.
If it were a race issue, it would be more clear.