Cathal BarryPro-life organisation has been repeatedly denied recognition by UCC
A former University College Cork chaplain has warned that third level institutes here are becoming ‘intolerant’ of Catholic views.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr David Barrins expressed concerns that UCC in particular “does not wish to have a plurality of opinions properly represented on campus”.
Fr Barrins said “there is growing intolerance in the Students Union and the student body to student views that are pro-life or Catholic.
“If you dissent from the prevailing liberal orthodoxy, then there is no place for you to be represented on campus. Indeed you are met with derision and, intolerance,” he said.
Fr Barrins comments came after it was revealed that ‘Love Life’, a student-led pro-life organisation, has been repeatedly denied recognition by the UCC Societies Guild as an official college society. “It seems the authorities are very happy with this situation. Indeed this is a growing and alarming trend on most campuses across the country,” Fr Barrins said.
“If you are pro-life or Catholic, keep your mouth shut and your opinions to yourself. I believe the time has come for this attitude to be firmly challenged and opposed before more students’ rights are seriously infringed.”
UCC has moved to distance itself from the controversy. In a statement to The Irish Catholic, the university said it was a matter for “student governance”.
“This issue was brought through the relevant student Societies Guild processes. The group were unsuccessful in their application and subsequent appeal. They are able to reapply should they wish and UCC Societies Guild officers are available to meet them,” the statement said.