USD and Catholicism

As a law student at the University of San Diego, I’d like to thank you for an excellent article on Author Hughes and USD. USD is now on the verge of transcending its parochial past and becoming a nationally recognized university. No one deserves more credit for this achievement than Author Hughes.

I am particularly pleased that Mr. Hughes and the university have recognized that diversity, not only of students and faculty, but of ideas, is the linchpin of future growth. We have made some progress in this area, but let there be no doubt that we still have a very long way to go.

By and large, the university maintains its reputation as a sanctuary for upper-middle class, conservative white kids, whose socio-political dialogue is dominated by what one recent graduate termed “The Orange County Republican Business Administration Major Party.” A great many minority students feel uncomfortable in this environment. We must make everyone welcome at USD if we are to continue to move forward.

First, the school must actively recruit nationwide and encourage minority applications. Second, the administration must actively support the free and diverse exchange of ideas as well as the diversity of students, faculty and administrators. There are many minority organizations on campus, but the administration continues to frown on particular organizations and activities (e.g. speakers). Some of the disfavored groups have recently been “allowed” to form, but under a heavy pall of administrative restrictions and stern warnings against making waves. Ideas and minority groups must not be stifled by any institution calling itself a university.

Last, a recent proposal from the administration would require all upper-level university officials to be Catholic. This does not support diversity and is a step backwards. It presents an added problem of determining who is a Catholic. Is it sufficient to have been born into a Catholic family? Must one attend Mass a certain number of times per year? Must the applicant take some sort of oath? None of this seems relevant to a person’s ability to run a university, Catholic or otherwise. As always, opportunity should be given to those best qualified, not those likely to agree with the employer’s spiritual beliefs.

USD’s first priority, as described in its own mission statement is “to foster freedom of inquiry and expression in the quest for truth.” USD must treat all ideas and people as equal and valuable if it is to succeed.

WARNER R. BROADDUS, San Diego