In their final meeting of the semester, the Student Association General Assembly at The Catholic University of America passed a resolution containing the declaration of a “Student Bill of Rights,” which asserts student privileges within the university. The primary article in the declaration states that

“Freedom of Academic Speech shall be granted to every student. This includes holding lectures, seminars, presentations, debates, etc. Selection of speakers and presenters, allocation of funds for speakers and presenters programs and other student activities will observe and act upon the principles of academic freedom and promote and foster intellectual pluralism. Students have the right to pursue and discuss any inquiry and to communicate any point of view publicly or privately.”

The Student Association appears to be reacting to a speakers policy decision made by the university earlier on in the semester. On September 10, 2008 the administration of The Catholic University of America issued comprehensive guidelines for the selection of campus speakers. In addition to prohibiting candidates from speaking on campus during election seasons, and in accord with its Catholic identity, CUA also bars politicians from speaking who have a public position opposed to the teaching of the Catholic Church. The Student Association constitution makes no claim to be able to enact university-wide policy changes, but only to “represent and advocate” on behalf of the undergraduate student body. The Cardinal Newman Society is currently awaiting a response from a CUA spokesperson on the apparent policy conflict presented by the new Student Bill of Rights. Source: CUA Tower