Facing Student Pressure, Catholic Univ. Allows NAACP Chapter
Feature Story by civilrights.org staff - November 10, 2004
Administrators at the Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington D.C. last month approved the formation of an NAACP chapter, a development that took student leaders nearly a year to achieve.
The university's decision reversed an earlier denial of the students' request that was made in April. According to student leaders, the turning point came at a recent meeting between student leaders and the administration, after which the university agreed to accept the chapter on condition that the organization not advocate for abortion rights or other issues that contradict Roman Catholic doctrine.
Students had earlier told the university that the NAACP chapter on CUA's campus would not advocate for issues that were in conflict between the NAACP national organization and CUA.
"This is a great day for Catholic University and the NAACP," said William Jawondo, CUA law student and president of the newly-formed chapter. "The students of Catholic University of America, with the help and guidance of the nation's oldest and most revered civil rights organization, will have the awesome opportunity to do the work of civil rights."
Critics had argued that the university's resistance was excessive, pointing to the existence of NAACP chapters at other Catholic schools such as Georgetown University, Fordham University, Trinity College, and St. John's University.
During their meeting with CUA President David M. O'Connell, students reassured the administration that their main focus would be on issues of "voter empowerment, political action, health, and education." Student organizers say they plan to address these issues through lobbying, educational forums, and community involvement.
"The Catholic Church and organizations like the NAACP have fought together for decades for the rights and freedoms of the oppressed," Jawondo said. "It is extremely gratifying to see this finally happen."
Despite the university's initial rejection of their application, student activists continued to speak out in support of the proposed chapter by holding press conferences, rallies, and marches during the spring and summer of 2004.
At a July 2 rally and press conference on the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, students and NAACP leaders marched together to condemn the university's decision.
According to student organizers, the continued pressure proved decisive.
"Despite challenges, Catholic University and the NAACP have reached a common understanding that will benefit the University, its students, and the community as a whole," Jawondo said. "Now the real work can begin!"
