Does Academic Freedom Exist at Notre Dame?

We constantly hear those at so-called Catholic colleges demanding the "academic freedom" to feature the enemies of the Church on campus. These champions of "free speech" like to demonize those who dare to suggest that Catholic schools shouldn't give a podium to those who advocate killing the unborn, advancing same-sex marriage, and espouse views totally at odds with the Catholic faith.

But do these apostles of liberalism follow their own pious statements? Not if Notre Dame is typical which seems likely. Check out Were Views of Pro-Life Notre Dame Officials, Professors Suppressed on Obama? There appears to be an "atmosphere of intimidation" on the campus according to anonymous staff and professors who fear retaliation if they speak out. The article's author asks the question, "If this is happening at Notre Dame, then at what other Catholic universities and colleges is this also occurring? And isn’t this just the sort of pressure to conform that mars many secular universities, leading one to wonder: what is now distinctive about the intellectual atmosphere at University of Notre Dame, or any number of other Catholic schools?"

Good question, which is why new, small orthodox schools are popping up around the country. See the Cardinal Newman Society for information on solid Catholic colleges.