The University of St. Thomas, in Minneapolis/St. Paul has engaged in what it must see as a justified battle to save its undergrad students from the evils of the influence of the Young America's Foundation.


This foundation provides financial support to student groups around the country that seek to provide students with information that liberal, elitist professors often deny them.The YAF is an amazing resource that is necessary to counter the messages of academia that routinely belittle conservatives and the often ideology that was at the core of this country's founding.


It's tool, the denial of speaking space to Star Parker, a brilliant woman who speaks of her personal experiences as a woman on welfare. She was invited to speak to students about the consequences of abortion in minority communities. The YAF agreed to pay a portion of her speaking fee.

One might think the University would welcome opportunity to encourage students to challenge their beliefs by listening, respectfully, to those who might challenge their views. (Although one should stop to ponder how it came to be that a pro-life speaker might upset the powers-that-be at a Catholic University.)

Why would a Catholic University close it's doors to a pro-life speaker?


As a graduate of the law school at the University of St. Thomas, I am amazed at the short sightedness of the woman at the center of this fire storm. The Vice President of Student Affairs, Jane Canney told Katie Kieffer, the young woman behind this effort to educate students, "As long as I'm a vice president at St. Thomas, we will not deal with Young America's Foundation."


That being said, there is clearly more than one solution to the problem at hand...


Kathy Kersten, a columnist at the Star Tribune, wrote about this PR disaster and educational travesty on Monday. Her column (click here to read column) unleashed a firestorm and now the University must decide how to remedy this situation and also how to prevent this sort of ignorant, or perhaps arrogant, decision from being made in the future.

According to Kersten's column, Parker plans to speak whether or not the University offers her space.

I hope she comes and delivers a message of truth from Summit Avenue.

I plan to be there and I am sure I will not be alone...