This is about as stupid as stupid gets:
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.
Individuals who spoke with The Cardinal Newman Society only on condition of anonymity explained that the group has been stalled by the administration for the entire academic year. Efforts were made by students to apply for official student group status beginning in September. The group was told they would have a response by November. The group wasn’t notified of the University’s decision until March.
Weitz did not return the call from The Cardinal Newman Society seeking comment on the decision.
One Knights of Columbus member told The Cardinal Newman Society that other University organizations, including club sports, currently limit membership and exclude people.
an official student organization. Those seeking the status were notified of the University’s decision at a meeting on March 7.Gonzaga is a Catholic University, founded by the Jesuits, to educate priests.
Those founders are spinning like tops in the grave today.
And this isn't the first time Gonzaga has done something stupid, something that goes against its founding principles and Catholic identity.
Stupidity reigns.
