The following is an email I recently received concerning a Catholic University here in Australia.

“Sometimes I think we live in a clown world.

Consider the circus that was the Australian Catholic University this week, where some spectacular scenes took place.

A speech was given by prominent former union leader and Labor figure Joe de Bruyn – a very “controversial” speech.

And his alleged offence? To have raised concerns about abortion and same-sex ‘marriage’.

Here are some excerpts from his speech – provided to the uni a week in advance:

“I have for several decades been involved in opposing abortion, the deliberate killing of unborn human beings.”

“Today, over 80,000 unborn children are killed by abortion in Australia each year. Worldwide, the estimated number is 42 million each year.”

“Abortion is the single biggest killer of human beings in the world, greater than the human toll of World War II. It is a tragedy that must be ended.”

“[Marriage between man and woman was] instituted by God at the origin of humanity in the Garden of Eden.”

“Every society on Earth at all times” recognised marriage as being between opposite sexes.

I can’t imagine anyone reading this email would disagree with any of these observations, much less be offended by them.

So, a prominent Catholic figure, speaking in line with Catholic teaching on life and marriage, on the grounds of a Catholic university. You wouldn’t think that would be a problem, would you?

But, oh, how messed up things have become.

Above: Joe de Bruyn stays seated as the ALP National Conference gives Senator Penny Wong a standing ovation for her speech on same-sex ‘marriage’ (Melbourne, 2015).

Not only did Joe’s comments cause a mass walkout by poor triggered snowflakes – I’m going to say it like it is – but the university is now arranging refunds for tickets and offering (wait for it) counselling!

Yes, you read correctly. Not only were these trauma-stricken students denied a speech that was all about them and how wonderful they were, but they were subjected to the idea that there were some huge issues out there affecting the very foundations of our society.

Unfortunately, this idea was apparently so upsetting that “face-to-face individual and group counselling sessions” needed to be arranged on campus to deal with “hurt and discomfort”.

Wow.

So, what to make of this?

• If mere ideas cause you to need counselling, you shouldn’t be at university. Full stop.
• It’s time for the Catholic hierarchy to direct the Australian ‘Catholic’ University to change its name and cut it loose. There are far better places the Church can direct its educational efforts.
• If you’re a student – or the parent or grandparent of one – please give serious consideration to your study choices. Thing were rotten on most campuses well before I ever set foot on one 25 years ago. But when even supposedly faith-based institutions are now throwing their beliefs under the bus, it’s time to vote with your feet. The huge growth in online education provides even more options. And university is not the only pathway.
• I’ve met Joe de Bruyn. He’s a good man – and while my personal politics lie elsewhere, I was impressed by the way he fought the good fight within the Labor Party for years. He did this with integrity and utterly against the tide. It’s absolutely commendable that he’s still speaking out. Joe, we salute you.

I could go on, but I fear it would develop into a rant about our entire education system.

I’ll simply say this: in an era of universities being reduced to mere degree factories, of chasing foreign students for their dollars, and of severe neglect for technical and trade careers, everyone from today’s students to incoming governments are going to have to make some hard decisions.

It has to be done.”