As you may know, LMU President Tim Law Snyder authorized the continuation of the Planned Parenthood Fundraiser which took place last night on campus in Roski. A peaceful and prayerful protest also took place, led by students, and joined by LMU faculty, parents, alumni, donors, and some Jesuits.
The letter found below was sent to President Snyder on November 5 at 1:30 p.m. before the Planned Parenthood Fundraiser in a last ditch effort to persuade him to call off the event. This letter was also sent to Archbishop Gomez, the Provincial of Jesuits West, and other important members of the LMU community. Archbishop Gomez, in a rare move, publicly expressed “deep disappointment” at LMU’s decision.
At around 5:00 p.m., before the fundraiser at 7:00 p.m., LMU issued a press release that said, “LMU regrets the concerns this situation has caused our community members and Catholic partners.” How sincere can your regret be if you carry out the nefarious plan anyway? Imagine a wife who discovers that her husband has a plan to cheat on her. She confronts him and begs for him to break it off. He replies, “So sorry honey. I regret causing you and our children pain. But I’ve got a date with my mistress later tonight at Roski. I remain firmly committed to the values of our marriage. Moving forward, I’ll try to do better. Bye now, she’s waiting for me.” He then goes to meet his mistress. Is this a man expressing true regret?
LMU, apology not accepted.
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Dear President Snyder,
Please find attached the names of more than 2,750 people who have signed the petition at RenewLMU.com and more than 15,000 at LifeSite in the last few days. In response to the national and international media (please see links below), your spokesman Mason Stockstill told the press that, “LMU’s core principles, reflected in its decisions, are consistent with Pope Francis’ guidance.” If this were true, then this event would already be cancelled. I can hear Pope Francis now, “Open dialogue with everyone, yes. Fundraising for abortion, no.” The difference is obvious and enormous.
Your spokesman writes, “The events, actions, or positions of student organizations, including Women in Politics, are not endorsed by the university. The fundraiser being hosted by Women in Politics is not a university-sponsored event.” This red herring makes no difference to Planned Parenthood nor to us. The money goes to Planned Parenthood regardless of whether the event is officially “sponsored” or “endorsed.” We object to the fundraising for Planned Parenthood, regardless of whether the fundraising is labeled as “sponsored” or endorsed.”
We also question explanations from university officials about a so-called compromise that gives Planned Parenthood all the money, publicity, and cooperation and gives those who object to the fundraiser a sentence on advertising that says that this event “shall not be construed as approval” by the university. In reality, this disclaimer removes none of LMU’s complicity. LMU administrators approved an event entitled “Fundraiser for Planned Parenthood.” They authorized use of Roski Dining Hall for this purpose. You personally have given your approval for this event to move forward on campus despite appeals from alumni, donors, students, and allies. Who needs the verbal fig leaf of “approval” when the event was in fact approved initially by LMU administrators and approved to move forward again by you?
We hope even now that you will make the right choice rather than the politically expedient choice. Now is the time.
Sincerely,
Samantha (Stribling) Stephenson, LMU Alum B.A. 2011, M.A. 2016, M.A. 2018
EWTN – https://www.ewtn.com/tv/shows/ewtn-news-nightly (Nightly News Nov 3 coverage starts at 17 min 45 sec)
https://vietcatholic.net/News/html/272126.htm
Live Action – https://www.liveaction.org/news/catholic-university-planned-parenthood-fundraiser/
America Needs Fatima – https://americaneedsfatima.org/blog/how-to-do-a-rosary-rally
https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2021/11/05/jesuit-university-planned-parenthood-fundraiser/
https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=52812
RenewLMU 