Catholic Campuses Give Culture Wars a Different Twist

As a national debate over religious liberty enflames passions, many Catholic colleges are challenging students to respect those who have different views on issues from abortion to same-sex marriage. Loyola Marymount University freshman Sean P. acknowledges the objections to having Bill Clinton speak at his school’s commencement ceremony this year – the former president's record on abortion and same-sex marriage hardly make him a role model for graduates of a Roman Catholic institution, critics have said.  LMU is one of a number of Catholic institutions facing criticism this commencement season for inviting and honoring guests whose positions on issues such as abortion and contraception could be perceived as opposing Catholic teaching. At a time when the broader national discussion around religious freedom has become more pointed, the moves offer a different picture.