*** UPDATE ***
University says it is “Not Bound by” the Decision and will Allocate Space to Pro-Life Students https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/dec/06120605.html
By John-Henry Westen
OTTAWA, December 6, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Carleton University in Ottawa has become the second university in Canada to ban pro-life students from forming official campus clubs. A vote of the Carleton University Student Association (CUSA) late last night had 25 of the 32 members back the motion to ban the pro-life club Lifeline.
The motion read: “CUSA further affirms that actions such as campaigns, distributions, solicitations, lobbying efforts, displays, events, etc. that seek to limit or remove a woman’s options in the event of pregnancy will not be supported.”
Lifeline President Sarah Fletcher spoke with LifeSiteNews.com about the motion when it was presented last month. “I think it pretty ridiculous that this governing body which is supposed to be representing all students would be declaring itself pro-choice because not all of the students are going to agree with them on that view,” she said.
Two weeks ago the University of British Columbia’s student union similarly decided to ban pro-life clubs from campus. (see coverage: https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/nov/06112810.html)
The decision by CUSA to discriminate against pro-life students has already cost the University at least one donor. Ottawa’s CFRA radio this morning carried the reaction to the vote of Carleton University Alumnus, Andrew Harwood. Harwood told the host that he had sent a letter to the president of Carleton saying he would stop donations to Carleton if the CUSA motion passed.
Harwood said he could now no longer support the University financially due to his concern over free speech. He said it is wrong to silence debate at the university on either side of the issue.
To respectfully express concerns to the University:
Dr. Samy Mahmoud
President and Vice-Chancellor Pro Tempore
Office of the President
503 Tory Building
1125 Colonel By Drive,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6
Canada
Phone: 613 520-3801
Fax: 613 520-4474
Email: [email protected]