Loyola “will not recognize a pro-choice campus organization”
The Jesus statue outside of Marquette Hall. In a statement made to The Maroon, Loyola University New Orleans states that clubs and organizations that seek university and Student Government Association approval must maintain Jesuit and catholic values. Photo credit: Jacob Meyer
May 2, 2018
In response to a debate about political favoritism that was ignited by an April 23 anti-abortion display by the student-run organization Wolf Pack For Life, the university has issued a statement that it will not recognize nor financially support the creation or existence of a pro-abortion rights student organization.
A Change.org petition that got over 400 signatures was started in response to Wolf Pack For Life’s display by students who advocated that the university, “either allow a peaceful pro-choice rally on campus and pro-choice club in the same way that they allowed the pro-life group to form and present or issue a public apology to students who felt unwelcome,” according to the petition.
Although the Student Government Association is responsible for approving student organizations, the university stated that approved organizations must align with Jesuit Catholic values.
“While we do respect the rights of students to practice self-expression and we do provide opportunity for them to have safe spaces and voice diverging opinions, Loyola unequivocally upholds the teachings of the Catholic church regarding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death,” the university said in a statement to The Maroon.
Rose Wagner is a junior mass communication and political science double major from St. Paul, Minnesota. This is her third year with The Maroon and she...
Jacob is a Junior at Loyola as a Digital Filmmaking Major. He serves as the Content Producer at the Maroon, in which he serves as a liason between...
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Amen! This is what you call a Mission True institution! This speaks to your conviction to stay true to the values created at the inception of this University, and of course with the values of the Catholic faith. I’m a protestant, and am very encouraged to see those persons who have the authority to consider such a decision were not swayed by pressure of the political correct voice. You respected and honored those who want to speak their opinion, but not to the point you compromise your statement of Faith. Way to go!
Good for you, Loyola! Recognizing that your allegiance is first to God and not the corruption of our moral values is something to praise. Hope the tide is beginning to turn at Loyola.
May the good Lord continue to guide and bless your efforts for life.
Seriously, you want an apology? Ridiculous.
Thank you, Loyla, for maintaining our Catholic values!
Thank you, Loyola, for standing up for the sanctity of human life and recognizing that Loyola is indeed a Catholic institution and at its core must be faithful to the Magisterium’s teaching on Human Life.! We need you to continue this positive witness for the truth in New Orleans. I think you will find your enrollment numbers increase in proportion to how much local Catholics begin to trust that you will not undermine their children’s Catholic faith but rather support it and help it flourish.
Great news! I already wear a Loyala shirt, will do so even more proudly now.