Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options

A small independent Catholic college in Escondido, Calif., has joined the opponents of a state law that would ban discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students by depriving colleges of state and federal student-aid funds. The president of John Paul the Great University, Derry Connolly, said the bill would prevent some students from enrolling and the college from having policies in line with Catholic teaching and could force Catholic colleges to host same-sex weddings in campus chapels. The measure, known as S.B. 1146, has passed the state Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to come before the entire legislature in August. It is intended to block state financial assistance, known as Cal Grants, and federal aid in the form of Pell Grants to colleges and universities the state says are discriminating against L.G.B.T. students.

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Nicholas Clifford
8 years 8 months ago
I'm a a bit confused by this. Of course I haven't read California S.B. 1146 barring discrimination against LGBT students, but how could such a law possibly "prevent some students from enrolling" in this university? Perhaps President Derry fears that if the law passed some students would choose not to enroll there, but that's a different issue. As for the fears that the university might be forced to "host" same sex weddings in the college chapel, is that a realistic fear? Has, say, the University of San Diego, or Santa Clara University, or the University of San Francisco or any others in the Golden State (or elsewhere) had to deal with such requests? I'm puzzled.
Jim McCrea
8 years 8 months ago
The name of the "university" ... John Paul The Great (!) ... should answer all your questions.

The latest from america

Canon law does not give much specific direction about who can make decisions for the church during the interregnum.
Colleen DulleApril 29, 2025
How “unity” and “clarity” are becoming buzzwords for reversing Pope Francis’ style of governance: a Conclave Podcast from America’s team in Rome
Inside the VaticanApril 29, 2025
“He has given a great witness of humility, of closeness to the people, of living out the Gospel values. He has left a great example for us to follow,” a priest from Honduras told America.
J.D. Long GarcíaApril 29, 2025
In an April 29 statement, the Vatican said “the oath of the officials and attendants of the conclave will take place” May 5 in the Pauline Chapel, not far from the Sistine Chapel where the cardinals will vote for the next pope.