More Pro-Life Censorship -- At a Catholic University

Twice in two weeks, pro-life advertisements from Human Life Alliance have been denied access to college students -- this time at Gonzaga University. "We're saddened to learn Gonzaga University, a Catholic school, has refused to accept 'We Know Better Now,' our pro-life advertising supplement for 'The Gonzaga Bulletin,'" said Joe Langfeld, Deputy Director for Human Life Alliance. "As a non-profit organization dedicated to educating students on the humanity of the pre-born child and gruesome realities of abortion we use college newspapers to reach 19- 24 year-olds who are the number one age group of abortion participants."

When asked to run the advertising supplement, officials from "The Gonzaga Bulletin" rejected the inserts stating, "There are articles in the insertion that cast a negative light on various organizations or individuals. While these statements may be true, we simply cannot insert them in our paper per our advertising policies."

"Of course some statements in our publication are objectionable to 'various organizations or individuals.' We present documented truth about the largest abortion chain in the nation, Planned Parenthood, and its founder Margaret Sanger," noted Langfeld. "The business of abortion is ugly and we think college and university students have a right to read the facts from someone other then abortion providers."

The Gonzaga denial comes on the heels of another rejection at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA last week. "Fortunately, there's good news to report from Allegheny. After phone calls, emails and a visit form a local HLA supporter, student editors have agreed to insert 'We Know Better Now' in the January 19, 2009 issue of 'The Campus' student newspaper", Langfeld said. "We're thrilled these students have communicated with HLA and agreed to give us a voice on their campus."

More information about Human Life Alliance and "We Know Better Now" is available at www.humanlife.org

Allegheny College Violates Their Mission Statement

It's time to tell Allegheny College that their censorship is not only irresponsible, but violates the tone and verbage of their Mission Statement. That statement reads:

Allegheny’s undergraduate residential education prepares young adults for successful, meaningful lives by promoting students’ intellectual, moral, and social development and encouraging personal and civic responsibility. Allegheny's faculty and staff combine high academic standards and a commitment to the exchange of knowledge with a supportive approach to learning. Graduates are equipped to think critically and creatively, write clearly, speak persuasively, and meet challenges in a diverse, interconnected world.

What a load of crap! Censoring the "exchange of knowledge" regarding abortion is not, in any way, promoting "moral and personal responsibility". Also, how can a student be taught to "think critically" when the idea that abortion is fine, well & good is the only idea openly expressed -- and all competing ideas are censored?!?

I truly hope that the Allegheny Christian Outreach, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ford Chapel Deacons, Hillel, Newman Organization, Islamic Awareness Society, and Sojourners Christian Fellowship are all "raising Cain" with the staff of The Campus for not only censoring the literature offered by Human Life Alliance, but also for STEALING their money.

I would encourage everyone to contact Allegheny College to complain about the censorship and theft. There are also a few other people who need to be contacted regarding this issue:

• Gretchen Symons, Director of Student Activities: gretchen.symons@allegheny.edu
• Kate Gullatta, Assistant Director of Student Activities: kate.gullatta@allegheny.edu
• Barb Steadman, Director of Public Affairs: barb.steadman@allegheny.edu
• Penny Frank, Assistant Director of Public Affairs: penny.frank@allegheny.edu
• Thomas Hughes, Editor of The Campus newspaper: thomas.hughes@allegheny.edu