According to the Cardinal Newman Society Gonzaga University has denied a Knights of Columbus group application to be recognized as an official student organization.
Students were informed of the decision in March when given a letter that read:
“The Knights of Columbus, by their very nature, is a men’s organization in which only Catholics may participate via membership … These criteria are inconsistent with the policy and practice of student organization recognition at Gonzaga University, as well as the University’s commitment to non-discrimination based on certain characteristics, one of which is religion.”
The Cardinal Newman Society reports that the students group is seeking alternatives, including whether it should form a council independent of the university or practice at other universities instead.
Many students, alumni and Gonzaga supporters have lashed out on Facebook at the university over its decision.
