News

PITTSBURGH, PA, May 3 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Duquesne University, which describes itself as “one of the leading major private, Catholic universities in the United States,” is set to award an honorary doctorate to Marian Wright Edelman, the founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF)  – one of the most anti-life, anti-family lobbies on Capitol Hill. The Pittsburgh-based U.S.  Coalition for Life has urged pro-lifers to help protest the university’s decision. Urgent action is required since the award will be given this Saturday, May 6 at the school’s commencement ceremonies.

Randy Engel, National Director, U.S. Coalition for Life provides ample proof that the CDF is pro-abortion. Contrary to the stated position of the US Bishops, Mrs. Edelman and the CDF have espoused and supported birth-control clinics for unmarried minors in schools. The long list of pro-abortion activities provided by Engel includes the fact that CDF voter guides have given perfect ratings to militantly pro-abortion politicians while at the same time giving zero ratings to pro-lifers.  Engel reports that all attempts, beginning in the fall of 1999, to dissuade Duquesne University’s President Professor John E. Murray, Jr. and Board of Directors from honoring Edelman have failed.

“Mrs. Edelman should be disinvited from Duquesne University’s commencement ceremonies and her honorary degree from Duquesne rescinded,” says Engel. “Such action would clearly demonstrate Duquesne University’s commitment to Catholic doctrine and principals governing sexual morality and family life. To do otherwise would be unthinkable for a Catholic University.”

Contact Information:

John E. Murray, Jr. President
[email protected]

Bishop Donald Wuerl, Diocese of Pittsburgh
[email protected]

Michael Weber, Provost and V. P. for Academic Affairs
[email protected]

Linda S. Drago, Secretary of the Board of Directors
[email protected]

Jonell Lenglet, University Relations
[email protected]

Cynthia Gilfoyle, Director, Alumni Relations
[email protected]

James Miller, Director, Major Gifts
[email protected]