The Cardinal Newman Society, a self-appointed organization dedicated to “maintaining a catholic identity” in Catholic institutes of higher education, has declared that Loyola and nine other colleges and universities have wrongfully given credit to students completing internships with organizations whose missions “directly contradict the views of the Catholic Church” (Loyola Phoenix). The majority of internships impacted by this are those that are available to students in the Women and Gender Studies Department.The President of Cardinal Newman Society, Patrick J. Reilly, asked “under what definition of ‘Catholic education’ do students receive academic credit to work for leading pro-abortion organizations?”
Although I can not speak for all “in question” organizations, the Feminist Majority is by no means a pro-abortion organization; we are a pro-women’s rights organization. To quote our mission statement (which apparently is in opposition to Catholic views), the Feminist Majority aims to develop “bold, new strategies and programs to advance women's equality, non-violence, economic development, and, most importantly, empowerment of women and girls in all sectors of society.”
At no point does FMF advocate, pressure, or lobby with “pro-abortion” attitudes or initiatives. We support a woman’s right to choose what is best for her body and her future, whatever that may be. Just as the Catholic Church is not defined by one aspect of their belief system or their mission, neither are we or other organizations like us.
It is important to recognize, as junior Liz Kelliher-Paz noted, these organizations “uphold a lot of other ideals that are important, and students should get to decide what they think... It’s important to allow students to make up their minds about what they believe rather than being indoctrinated.” Not all students who attend Catholic Universities are Catholic, or Christian, and for their options to be limited because of the indoctrinating actions and beliefs of their University is inappropriate and inhibits their education; the same holds true for students who are catholic, and perusing these types of opportunities.
Students at Loyola are there, first and for most “for an education,” said Senior Chris Balmaceda. A career is the final goal, yes, and an internship is the path to that. However, a catholic education does not mean a catholic career. In denying students credit for such internships, Loyola is essentially denying them opportunities to pursue the career of their choice and complete the education they seek. It is important for educational institutions to offer the most comprehensive internship and career services so as best to serve the students and their personal goals, not the goals of the university or of the church.
photo credit : David Reber http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidreber/2997213236/
photo credit : David Reber http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidreber/2997213236/
2 comments:
To quote the posting:
Not all students who attend Catholic Universities are Catholic, or Christian, and for their options to be limited because of the indoctrinating actions and beliefs of their University is inappropriate and inhibits their education; the same holds true for students who are catholic, and perusing these types of opportunities.
This comment in particular is extremely ridiculous. What's the point of having a Catholic or Christian university if they aren't allowed to champion and promote their theological views? They exist for a reason. I'm not a Roman Catholic myself, but I would fully expect my conduct to be subject to Catholic moral teachings if I were to attend a Catholic university. Why would anyone be surprised by that?
And if you aren't a Roman Catholic, then why attend a Catholic university in the first place? Those who apply to attend such schools know what they're getting into from the start. The posting is also silly because it asserts flippantly that the university in question "indoctrinates" its students, as if the word "indoctrinate" is somehow, by itself, a nefarious term. All universities indoctrinate their students with a particular code of ethics or ideals, to one degree or another. That's nothing new.
Of course the idea that a group of feminsts would oppose Roman Catholic universities for actually upholding what they believe is nothing new either. That's exactly the kind of religious bigotry one ought to expect from the feminist movement.
Not all Catholics are anti-choice: http://www.catholicsforchoice.org/
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