91传媒 statement on pro-life, pro-choice speaking events
Contact: Sid Salter
91传媒 President Mark E. Keenum issued the following statement on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018: 鈥淚 have appreciated hearing from interested groups and individuals regarding the Gender Studies event on our campus on March 1, particularly the heartfelt concerns about the speaker鈥檚 message regarding abortion. From time to time across our campus, organizations promoting different perspectives on issues invite speakers whose presentations聽could be聽controversial.
鈥淲hile some may view this program as objectionable, other members of our campus community would argue that in support of聽academic freedom, differing opinions on topics of national debate should be heard.聽I believe an objective look at the overall lineup of speakers and events at 91传媒 would be judged fair and balanced with regard to the pro-choice, pro-life debate.
鈥淚n keeping with the university鈥檚 efforts to provide students with viewpoints on all sides of the compelling issues of the day, we are supporting the efforts of 91传媒 Students for Life and Catholic Campus Ministry to present a program that gives our campus community a national speaker from the pro-life position on Tuesday, March 6, in the same venue that Thursday鈥檚 program will be held. The event will include a keynote address by Connecticut pro-life activist Christina Bennett. 聽Contrary to previous published reports, I can offer assurance that neither Dr. Parker鈥檚 pro-choice presentation on March 1, nor the pro-life program from Ms. Bennett next week, are being funded with taxpayer dollars.
鈥淚 would also note that on the pro-life side of the ledger, our student groups have聽been very active over the past couple of years, leading over 30 meetings, events and initiatives on the 91传媒 campus.
鈥淥ur goal in all university programming is to give our students the intellectual components necessary in an environment of academic freedom and mutual respect to make their own judgments and form their own opinions on important issues,鈥 Keenum said.