"Fordham University" should I be worried

[brettdale]

Just read that they have an anti birth control policy and students are protesting it.

I know someone who has been accepted into the University, they live a pretty
conservative life, but she is a liberal.

Should I be worried, that there are other things going on at this University, like trying
to undermind freespeech, homophobic behavior, anti feminism, etc etc etc.

She loved the campus, and I would hate it, if people there are really judgemental.

Would really like replies to this.

[Warren DeMontague]

1. From their website:

http://www.fordham.edu/student_affairs/deans_of_students_an/student_handbooks/graduate_guide/university_regulatio/contraceptivesbirth__88902.asp

As an institution in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition, Fordham University follows Church teachings on reproductive issues. Distribution of contraceptives, contraceptive devices and/or birth control, in any form, is prohibited on Fordham University property and at University-sponsored events. University Health Services staff do make limited exceptions in writing appropriate prescriptions for the treatment of an existing medical condition accompanied by supporting documentation.

Personally, I'd have trouble going to any Catholic (or other religion, for that matter) Institution, at least one where it was an ingrained part of the philosophy and presumably the curriculum.

That said, a student looking for contraceptive access could probably find it easily off-campus. I don't know what their other rules are.

It'd probably all rub me the wrong way, but Your (or Her) MMV.

[brettdale]

2. Thanks

Thanks to replying to my post.

[pnwmom]

3. No. Most of the students at Fordham would ignore any such rule.

A cousin went there, and most of the students at Fordham are as liberal as other people in NYC.

In general, there are more atheists/agnostics at Catholic schools than at many other schools. If she wants birth control, send her to Planned Parenthood.

[mrs_p]

4. I went there years ago

They had the same policy then. There is no rule banning one from going to get contraceptives elsewhere. The on-campus clinic just won't provide. Students raised a fuss back then too.

As for hampering free speech, there were some things the school objected to regarding campus publications. I can't remember the details, but there was a big hoopla just before I left regarding some of my friends being unable to write certain things in the paper. Students fought back.

The campus and education themselves were great and being so near the big city was a magical time in my life.

[tom_kelly]

5. No fear.

One of my nephews is gay and graduated from Fordham a few years ago. He, and his friends, loved it.

[Smarmie Doofus]

6. Wiki has this:

>>>It was founded by the Catholic Diocese of New York in 1841 as St. John's College, placed in the care of the Society of Jesus shortly thereafter, and has since become an independent institution under a lay board of trustees, which describes the University as "in the Jesuit tradition."[6]>>>>>

Which means it's very self consciously trying to be all things to all people. My guess is whatever residual Catholic orthodoxy there may be gives way to the greater imperative of filling seats.

Zephyr Teachout..... Cuomo primary challenger and my newest political 'shero'.....is on the law school faculty. ( That's at the Manhattan campus --- which is very distinct in character from the Bronx campus.... where I'm pretty sure most of the undergraduates would attend.)

I wouldn't worry too much about the political atmosphere in either case. Though there may still be thorny RC issues re. things like contraception availability , abortion info, lgbt visibility, etc.

[msanthrope]

7. It's the Jesuits....I went to Loyola. Convinced me to be an atheist. nt

[brettdale]

8. Again Thanks

Thanks for all the replies.