Villanova Abortion Statue Controversy
Fresh off their great run in the men's NCAA basketball tournament, Villanova University finds itself dealing with a more emotional issue: abortion. Regina Medina of Phillynews.com reports on efforts by a campus pro-life group to place on campus what senior Lauren Homans calls "a reminder of the unborn and those who suffer the affects of an abortion." The question before the school's board of trustees is should Villanovans for Life be allowed to place a statue of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus in a high traffic area near a freshman dorm.
As expected there are objections, even from some who are pro-life, and it will be interesting to see what the trustees decide. I think the statue should be allowed for two reasons. First, Villanova is, as a university spokeswoman points out, a Roman Catholic Augustinian university. As such I hope the trustees see this as an opportunity to stand on the school's religious foundation, even if it is at the expense of 'diversity.' Second, if handled correctly the statue might become the focal point of public discourse on the abortion issue. Our college campuses should be the source of public debate and not the bastions of censorship certain groups would like to see them become.
We should know the trustees' decision by tomorrow. Hopefully they will decide based on what is best for Villanova University, and not cave in to the commandments of 'pc.'
4/11/06: Independent Conservative has a post exposing how Christians on other university campuses are having their rights attacked.
As expected there are objections, even from some who are pro-life, and it will be interesting to see what the trustees decide. I think the statue should be allowed for two reasons. First, Villanova is, as a university spokeswoman points out, a Roman Catholic Augustinian university. As such I hope the trustees see this as an opportunity to stand on the school's religious foundation, even if it is at the expense of 'diversity.' Second, if handled correctly the statue might become the focal point of public discourse on the abortion issue. Our college campuses should be the source of public debate and not the bastions of censorship certain groups would like to see them become.
We should know the trustees' decision by tomorrow. Hopefully they will decide based on what is best for Villanova University, and not cave in to the commandments of 'pc.'
4/11/06: Independent Conservative has a post exposing how Christians on other university campuses are having their rights attacked.
posted by Dennis | 1:49 PM
2 Comments:
I started my graduate studies at Villanova when I lived in Phoenixville, PA. That was 10 years ago and then I moved down here to GA. But when I was at Villanova, there were crucifixes in some classrooms, with an image that was supposed to be Christ on the cross.
I'm not a fan of graven images of Christ, but given they've never had a problem with them I would be a little surprised if they don't allow this.
If they turned this down it would have nothing to do with their feelings about graven images (they've got them all over campus), but it would indicate they are overly influenced by Liberals.
And you know I'm pro-life ;) .
as a fairly staunch liberal, i dont see a problem with it, as long as people could post fliers next to the pictures that list names of women who have died by either being refused an abortion or by performing ones themselves.
thats like saying people cant put the 10 commandments on a public building. i dont see a problem with it. just dont be mad when someone puts mulsim theology or theory of dianetics on a public building.
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