Harvest Christian University Sovereign Authority

Sovereign Authority – Harvest Christian University & Indigenous School Institutional Sovereignty and Identity

Harvest Christian University (HCU) is a fully sovereign and chartered educational institution, established under its own governing authority. HCU operates independently of state licensing or oversight, exercising full authority to administer educational programs, confer degrees, and engage in academic and commercial activities in the State of Texas.

Legal Authority and Protections

A. Texas Law

Texas Education Code §61.302 – Governs state-authorized institutions but does not restrict the use of the term “University” by private or foreign-chartered entities.
Texas Business and Commerce Code §17.46 – Provides protections against false regulatory claims; HCU operates under its own charter and does not misrepresent state authority.

Federal Protections

U.S. Constitution, First Amendment – Protects freedom of religion and the right to establish religious educational institutions.
U.S. Code Title 20 §1232f & §1232h – Provides protections for nonpublic educational institutions in operating independently while serving students.
Federal principles on foreign and sovereign charters – Recognize the right of chartered entities to engage in commerce and educational activities without state interference.

International and Sovereign Authority

HCU, operating under its own charter, retains full governance over academic programs, certifications, and operational policies, consistent with recognized international law and the principles of sovereign educational authority.

Harvest Christian University Sovereign Authority

Sovereign Authority – Harvest Christian University & Indigenous School Institutional Sovereignty and Identity

Under its sovereign authority, Harvest Christian University may:

Operate educational campuses, classrooms, and offices in Texas and abroad.
Offer degrees, diplomas, and certifications under its charter.
Conduct commercial and educational activities, including tuition collection, instructional services, and academic programs.
Maintain full intellectual property and governance control over curricula and academic operations.

Compliance and Integrity

HCU ensures full disclosure of its accreditation status and does not claim state accreditation or licensure.
The university operates in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws while maintaining the integrity of its sovereign authority.

Conclusion

Harvest Christian University’s sovereign charter and legal protections enable it to operate, confer academic credentials, and engage in educational commerce with full independence in the State of Texas.

Texas Education Code & Higher Education Exemptions: HCU operates under exemptions for religious and sovereign institution.

Federal Constitutional Protections:

First Amendment – Protects freedom to operate religious and chartered educational institutions.
Commerce Clause & Federal Law – Recognizes the right of sovereign and chartered institutions to engage in educational commerce and program delivery without undue interference.

Harvest Christian University Sovereign Authority

Sovereign Authority – Harvest Christian University & Indigenous School Institutional Sovereignty and Identity

Texas Education Code & Higher Education Exemptions: HCU operates under exemptions for religious and sovereign institutions, allowing full authority to administer academic programs and confer credentials.

Federal Constitutional Protections:

First Amendment – Protects freedom to operate religious and chartered educational institutions.
Commerce Clause & Federal Law – Recognizes the right of sovereign and chartered institutions to engage in educational commerce and program delivery without undue interference.

Operational Rights and Academic Authority

By virtue of their charters and sovereignty, HCU and its indigenous school are authorized to:

Operate campuses, offices, and classrooms in Texas and abroad.
Offer academic programs, professional training, certificates, and degrees.
Engage in educational commerce, including tuition, program delivery, and related services.
Maintain full intellectual property, academic governance, and operational control over all programs and institutional activities.

HCU and its indigenous school maintain:

Truthful representation of their sovereign status
Full disclosure of governance and organizational structure
Operations consistent with their charter and applicable legal protections.

Harvest Christian University Sovereign Authority

Sovereign Authority – Harvest Christian University & Indigenous School Institutional Sovereignty and Identity

Rights and Operational Authority

Under its charter and sovereign authority, HCU is authorized to:

Operate educational campuses, offices, and classrooms in Texas and abroad.
Offer academic programs, professional training, certificates, and degrees under its governing authority.
Engage in commercial activities, including tuition collection, educational services, and program delivery.
Maintain full intellectual property, academic governance, and operational control over all programs and activities.

Exemptions for Religious and Sovereign Institutions

Religious and sovereign charter institutions may operate in Texas without seeking state certification, provided they do not misrepresent state licensure or accreditation.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognizes exemptions for institutions offering religious instruction, allowing operation of educational programs, diplomas, and certificates under their chartered authority. (highered.texas.gov)

Sovereign Authority – Harvest Christian University & Indigenous School Institutional Sovereignty and Identity

Legal Basis and Protections

Texas Education Code

§61.301 – Purpose of Postsecondary Regulation: Regulates degree granting to prevent fraudulent institutions while recognizing legitimate educational entities.
§61.302 – Definition of Degree: Defines degrees and programs but does not restrict the operation of sovereign or religious institutions.
§61.313 – Use of “University”: Protects private, religious, and sovereign institutions from restriction in use of the term “University” where no state certificate of authority is claimed.

Federal Constitutional Protections

First Amendment: Ensures freedom of religion and assembly, including the right to establish and operate religious educational institutions.
Commerce Clause & Federal Law: Recognize that sovereign and chartered entities may conduct interstate and intrastate commerce, including educational services, without undue state interference.

Copyright © 2025 MyHCU - All Rights Reserved Harvest Christian University is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1), pursuant to the provisions of Sections 508(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). This designation allows the university to receive tax-deductible contributions and affirms its commitment to public support and charitable purposes . DISCLAIMER: Harvest Christian University is dedicated to protecting the rights of its alumni and students. Any unauthorized use of the university’s name, practices, degree awards, logos, signatures, or marketing of its intellectual property is strictly prohibited and punishable by law