Dave Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 Courtesy of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights October 2, 2003 WASHBURN UNIVERSITY SANCTIONS CATHOLIC BASHING A controversial sculpture that depicts a Catholic bishop wearing a hat that resembles a phallic symbol has been chosen for display by some faculty members and students at Washburn University. The exhibit also bears an offensive inscription mocking the confessional. Printed below is Catholic League president Dr. William A. Donohue’s letter to Washburn University president Dr. Jerry B. Farley: On March 14, 1998, you were cited in the Topeka Capital-Journal as approving the unanimous decision of the student-faculty board that reprimanded Ryan Steiner for insulting some students. Steiner, then editor of the Washburn student newspaper, made disparaging remarks about nontraditional students and called another student a “wack-o” and a “loser.” You were quoted as branding Steiner’s remarks “insensitive,” and that is why you approved the resolution that accused him of engaging in “unethical and unprofessional conduct.” As someone who spent 20 years teaching—16 of them in higher education—I believe it took great courage on your part to denounce Steiner’s behavior. But I am perplexed as to why you have suddenly turned on a dime when it comes to anti-Catholicism: the official position of the university towards the offensive exhibit by Jerry Boyle, “Holier Than Thou,” is without condemnation. Yet it was professors and students on the Washburn Campus Beautification Committee who chose to insult Catholics by selecting the Boyle sculpture for campus display. Any fair-minded observer would conclude that Steiner’s offense pales next to the Beautification Committee’s decision to honor Boyle. So please explain to me why Steiner’s foray in bad taste resulted in his being placed on probation—with the explicit threat of dismissal hanging over his head—while those who sanction Catholic bashing are treated as mere agents of free speech? “The letter was faxed and mailed today. We await Dr. Farley’s reply.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysologus Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 It is ridiculous, and plainly so when one imagines replacing all the anti-Catholic stuff which is allowed in our culture with anti-Jewish stuff and thinks how the reaction would be. Suddenly art and entertainment would rightly be recognized as slander and hate. Case in point: The Da Vinci Code, now in consideration for being made into a movie. The words of our Savior ring true: "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M.SIGGA Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 I hope someone breaks it. I would :angry: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Huether Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 What's just stupid is that they prolly wouldn't sanction a phallic symbol by itself. But on the head of a Bishop!? Our world is taking a turn for the worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 Sooooooooooooooooooo, who's got the contact info for dr. jerry b. farley? B) B) B) B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foundsheep Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 Im ready when you are, Give us the info and we will start emailing faxing and writing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willguy Posted October 17, 2003 Share Posted October 17, 2003 President's e-mail : farley@washburn.edu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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