Gonzaga Denies Knights of Columbus Student Group Because it’s Catholic

[The Straight Story]

Spokane's Gonzaga University has denied a Knights of Columbus group application to be recognized as an official student organization. Those seeking the status were notified of the University’s decision at a meeting on March 7.

The group was notified of the decision by Dean of Students Kassi Kain and Assistant Director for Student Activities Dave Rovick.

“The Knights of Columbus, by their very nature, is a men’s organization in which only Catholics may participate via membership,” says a letter obtained by The Cardinal Newman Society written by Sue Weitz, Vice President for Student Life. “These criteria are inconsistent with the policy and practice of student organization recognition at Gonzaga University, as well as the University’s commitment to non-discrimination based on certain characteristics, one of which is religion.”

The letter continued:

The discussion at the meeting touched on formation of a Catholic Daughters student organization at Gonzaga. Such a group would address the gender exclusivity issue. However, it would not address the requirement that all members of a student Knights of Columbus group must be Catholic.

One Knights of Columbus member told The Cardinal Newman Society that other University organizations, including club sports, currently limit membership and exclude people.

http://www.cardinalnewmansociety.org/CatholicEducationDaily/DetailsPage/tabid/102/ArticleID/2117/Gonzaga-Denies-Knights-of-Columbus-Student-Group-Because-it%E2%80%99s-Catholic.aspx

[Cleita]

1. I thought Gonzaga was a Catholic University run by Jesuits?

I used to live near Spokane and often drove into the city to do shopping. So if it's still Catholic run, I don't understand why they would object? I could see this in a secular university and even then in my state the University of California allows clubs with restricted religious membership like the Chabad House UCLA. http://www.chabaducla.com/

[onpatrol98]

5. Religious Clubs

They have other religious clubs. But, in those clubs you can still participate as a member in the club, even if you don't share the religion (ie, informational purpose, personal interest, just curious, etc.)

With the Knights of Columbus, you must be Catholic in order to become a member. I think that is the difference. If you could become a member of the Catholic group, without being Catholic, no problem. But, with that group, it isn't possible. By the way, the university also has a Young Democrats club & a LGBT Club. So, it may be more secular than it sounds.

Lots of other clubs are friendly to seekers, or the curious, or just "friends of" in a sense. Apparently not so much with the Knights of Columbus. But, the area outside of the university may have a chapter they could affiliate with if they're interested. Or, if there isn't one, perhaps they could start one.

[treestar]

2. Fair enough

Nothing stops the Knights from meeting outside the University.

[MattBaggins]

3. The group discriminates so they can't be a recognized student group

What's the problem here?

So the title is a lie and tries to paint a false picture. They are being denied for discrimination not for being Catholic.

[BlueStreak]

4. Just another false flag cult organization

like the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, etc.

Christians try to impose themselves on society in many different ways, and these false flag groups have always been a core part of the strategy.