SPOKANE, March 4, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Last month controversy erupted as Dr. Mike Adams a professor of criminology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a columnist for Townhall.com accused Gonzaga University, run by the Jesuit, order of a stand against pro-life clubs and Christianity.
However, Rev. Dr. Robert Spitzer, the President of Gonzaga has responded to the charges and categorically denies any wrong-doing from a pro-life or faith perspective. According to Rev. Spitzer the issue was resolved as early as December 2003.
In a February 22, 2005 article for Townhall.com, Adams charged that Gonzaga “has now recognized a pro-choice student organization.” Rev. Spitzer says that claim is “categorically false.”
Rather than being opposed to the pro-life movement, Dr. Spitzer says “Gonzaga University is a strong pro-life proponent, consistent with Catholic doctrine.” The central accusation against Gonzaga was the charge that the university denied official recognition, and thus student group funding, to a specifically Christian pro-life club since it required leaders to sign a statement professing Christianity.
Rev. Spitzer does not deny the charge but explains: “The Law Student Handbook clearly states: ‘the SBA sponsors a variety of activities in which all law students are entitled and encouraged to participate.’ The Student Bar Association interpreted the foregoing statement to mean full participation by all students. The pro-life club did not meet that standard, and chose not to change its charter to make non-Christian students eligible to be officers. As a consequence, the club’s funding request was denied by the Student Bar Association.”
Dr. Spitzer also points out that “Gonzaga University has a pro-life club, which is funded by the Gonzaga Student Body Association (GSBA).”
He notes also that “the Law School pro-life club continues to exist and is welcome to meet on campus. It can choose to receive SBA funds at any time by opening its leadership to full participation by all law students.”
In a letter addressing the issue Dr. Spitzer notes his credentials as a leader in the pro-life movement internationally. He concludes: “I have long been an international proponent of the pro-life movement. Therefore, I welcome a Law School pro-life club in addition to the University pro-life club, and I have encouraged both to be active in sponsoring events. However, I am not willing to force the Student Bar Association to fund a club whose charter prohibits non-Christian students from pursuing leadership positions. This charter restriction gives all the wrong signals. The pro-life movement is and always has been open to full participation by all faiths. Indeed, only through the cooperation of all faiths will the sanctity of life be preserved.”