Showing courage
Nathaniel Hannan
junior
Tuesday morning, I hung about 25 posters in O'Shaughnessy hall. Posters which you will never see because all but three were systematically ripped down within hours. These posters weren't obscene. They didn't have any foul language, and they were even approved by the Student Activities office.
They announced a lecture taking place on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 pm in 113 DeBartolo that someone obviously doesn't want you to know about. Someone who has decided to take it upon themselves to be a censor of the University community's intellectual discussions.
Four groups, including the Knights of Columbus whom I represent, are presenting a lecture that night by the founder of a group named Courage. What does Courage do that could be so offensive to someone at this Catholic institution? Do they abort babies? Do they support Planned Parenthood? Do they fund communist regimes or engage in devil worship?
No.
Courage is an organization devoted to helping people inculcate in their lives, in day to day experience, Catholic teachings, specifically Catholic teachings on homosexuality. It is a support group in this way, much like certain groups around Notre Dame claim to be support groups. Fr. Harvey, its founder, is coming to speak on an intellectual level surpassing everyday discussion on why such groups are necessary and the great love that he has been privileged to bring to struggling gay and lesbian members of the Catholic community.
Are you going to let someone else decide who you'll listen to on Thursday night? Why not come and see someone who offers so much compassion to so many people?
Don't let the hate and censorship of a few blind you to new possibilities. Come and see what Fr. Harvey has to offer.
Nathaniel Hannan
junior
Dillon Hall
Nov. 6, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, November 9, 2000
