‘We are not going anywhere,’ group writes on social media
DePaul University recently told a student group linked to Planned Parenthood that it could no longer operate on campus, citing the school’s Catholic identity. However, the group is pushing back.
Planned Parenthood Generation Action states on its Instagram that it brings “comprehensive and inclusive reproductive resources for all at DePaul University.”
On June 3, leaders and faculty advisors of PPGA met with DePaul administrators, according to an Instagram post by the student group.
The school informed the group that it was immediately disbanded, prohibiting it from hosting events or continuing its operations.
But the group appears to be refusing to disband.
“We are not going anywhere and we will continue to be a community, but we need as much input and support as possible to determine how we want to continue our operations. We look forward to seeing you all this Friday and to what we will accomplish together,” it wrote in the Instagram caption.
The group also wrote that it did not violate any university rules or policies, and its disbandment was solely due to its association with Planned Parenthood.
“We fully cooperated with DePaul administration’s ever changing goal posts and adhered to its mission statement that prioritizes our intersectional movement, Vincentian and reproductive justice values. Our chapter being evicted is a great disservice to the health and wellness of the DePaul and Chicago communities,” it wrote.
The group also announced it is hosting a Town Hall on June 13, both virtually and in person to address the issue.
“All are welcome to attend to give their input on how we should proceed but only General Body members and alumni may vote on how to move forward,” DePaul PPGA wrote.
The group also posted a photo of a letter it received from the school administration following the meeting.
“In alignment with DePaul’s Catholic and Vincentian identity, PPGA’s student organization constitution is no longer approved and PPGA’s status as a registered student organization at DePaul is deactivated due to its affiliation with the external group Planned Parenthood,” Interim Vice Presidents Kimberlie Goldsberry and Mark Laboe wrote.
“There may no longer be any social media posts representing PPGA at DePaul University from this point forward,” they wrote.
The administration also told the students that they can form another group focused on “reproductive rights” as long as it is not affiliated with external organizations that conflict with the university’s Catholic values.
“If you would like to establish a new student organization, we will be happy to work with you and will prioritize the review status through OSI’s new student organization approval process,” the administrators wrote.
Earlier this year, DePaul PPGA announced in another social media post that it provides free condoms, Plan B, and pregnancy tests to students off campus.
MORE: 10 years after racist incident, fraternity remains barred at U. Oklahoma
IMAGE CAPTION AND CREDIT: Planned Parenthood building; Ken Wolter/Shutterstock