A Christian university  in Alberta has been implicated in defence efforts for Omar Khadr, a young Canadian Muslim facing murder and terrorism charges.

Khadr’s defence team filed documents last month saying King’s University College, a staunchly Christian school in Alberta, had promised to admit Khadr if he was acquitted, reported The Globe and Mail. But the school’s leadership has since denied any offer was made.

Arlette Zinck, dean of arts at King’s, allegedly gave a testimony that guaranteed Khadr immediate admission at the Christian college if he was acquitted, the Globe reported.

However, according to a news release from the school, they made no such statement. The release goes on to say if Khadr were to apply for admission his application would be considered in terms of criteria outlined in the King’s University academic calendar.

The release also says media reports regarding a customized curriculum being designed for Khadr are incorrect. Any reference to scholarships for Khadr is also incorrect.

“Many Canadians, including those represented here on campus, are interested in the welfare of Omar Khadr and affirm his need for a fair trial,” said Ken Schwanke, King’s director of public relations. “As an institution, however, we do not take positions on issues of this nature, but encourage freedom of inquiry among our faculty and students.”

According to The Globe and Mail, defence lawyers say in their filing that the offer from King’s was vital to the defence case in sentencing.

Zinck’s name and the institution have been taken off the copy of the court filing, The Globe reported. However, Zinck confirmed she was the witness sought by the defence and also that King’s was the university.

Zinck refused to comment further, stating she does not want to compromise the court process.

King’s University College has about 700 students. Their mission statement speaks of bringing “renewal and reconciliation to the brokenness of life,” according to a school press release.

The school admits students of all religions, and students of other faiths are welcomed to participate in academic programs and community life, the release says.

According to The Globe and Mail, Khadr’s guards at Guantanamo Bay say he is very religious and prays about five times a day.

“Students, staff and faculty embrace the school’s mission in different ways and believe if anyone is in need of reconciliation to society, it is Omar Khadr,” Schwanke said.

Schwanke confirmed that if and when Khadr applies for admission, King’s University College will consider the application.