Seattle University, a Catholic educational institution, is coming under fire from a pro-life group for offering students internships with the local Planned Parenthood abortion business.
“Should Catholic universities aid Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups?” asks the pro-life group TFP Student Action. “The answer is obviously no. However, Seattle University – a Catholic institution – offers students the option of interning for Planned Parenthood of Western Washington on its web site.”
In a section on “Public Affairs Student Internships,” Seattle University lists Planned Parenthood of Western Washington and encourages students to contact its career services department for additional information. No internship possibilities with pro-life groups or crisis pregnancy centers are listed.
The problems go beyond the mere listing as the Women Studies department at Seattle University encourages students to “get involved” with pro-abortion groups. The Women Studies web page states: “On the Seattle University Campus, in the Northwest, and across the Nation there are countless women’s organizations for you to get involved with. Here are some links to help you get started.”
Immediately after this “get involved” offer, students find pro-abortion groups such as the National Organization for Women, the Feminist Majority and Legal Momentum.
“This shocking scandal must be opposed,” TFP Student Action says, and it is urging pro-life advocates to contact Seattle University officials to protest the promotion of the abortion business and pro-abortion groups.
“Please help TFP Student Action counter the culture of death at Seattle University by alerting your pro-life friends about this issue. Spread the word by email, Facebook, blogs and other social media,” the group asks.
The response has already been strong as several pro-life people left comments on the TFP website opposing Seattle University’s actions.
“Call yourself a Catholic university then be a Catholic university,” says Sharyn Finnegan. “Catholics do not support abortion in any form or fashion. Teach your students the faith handed down from Our Lord, no to contraception, no to abortion.”
“I’m writing to express my dismay and disappointment at this news. I am confused as to how SU can promote activities contrary to Catholic teaching and still call itself a Catholic University,” Trebon Henninger adds. “Several people in my family have graduated from SU, and I myself was headed there after graduating from the Matteo Ricci College at Seattle Prep, but chose to go elsewhere. My own children are now of college age and I can assure you Seattle University has now been crossed off the list of potential college options for them.”
And Margaret Dornay says: “I come from generations of Seattle U. Graduates. Our families supported the school with the G.I. Bill, grants, loans,scholarships, our hard-earned money and our prayers. Our goal was to produce educated Catholics. You are producing educated secularists. Our most recent graduate was in 2009. This student was a straight A student. And the only way she could keep her grades up to get through the nursing program at your university was to keep quiet about her pro-life views. We will not be supporting Seattle U. any longer.”
Anyone upset by the abortion promotion can contact:
Fr. Stephen V. Sundborg, SJ
Seattle University, President
901 12th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122-1090
Phone: 206-296-1891
E-mail: [email protected]
