Creighton University,
a Jesuit university in Omaha, will officially recognize a student group called
the Gay-Straight Alliance because the school must stand against “discrimination
and prejudice,’’ said the school’s president, the Rev. John Schlegel.
The president
announced his decision in a letter sent Thursday to the faculty and staff at
the Roman Catholic school, the Omaha World Herald reports.
“It
is something Creighton needs,’’ said Kurtis Young, a sophomore who is a member
of the alliance. “I’m proud of the university for taking this step.’’ The
Gay-Straight Alliance has been meeting for more than two years without the university’s
official endorsement. The group has about 12 members. The alliance, like all
Creighton student groups, will be eligible for funding through the university.
Creighton officials said the university is now among 12 Jesuit campuses that
recognize organizations for gay and lesbian students.
Schlegel wrote in his
letter that the alliance “will not be engaged in political advocacy for the gay
lifestyle or do anything that even appears to be contrary to Catholic teaching.
This is not their intention, and it will not be allowed.’’ Schlegel also quoted
portions of a statement from the U.S. Catholic Bishops Committee on Marriage
and Family that he said guided Creighton’s decision to support the student
group: “The Christian community should offer its homosexual sisters and
brothers understanding and pastoral care. Nothing in the Bible or in Catholic
teaching can be used to justify prejudicial or discriminatory attitudes and
behaviors.’’ CathU-OkgayClub.doc