Introduction to the Controversy

A DePaul student organization affiliated with Planned Parenthood alleges the school has booted the group from campus because of its ties to an abortion provider. Planned Parenthood Generation Action DePaul University chapter, known as PPGenAction DePaul, was told June 3 to disband and cease all operations and events during a meeting with university officials.

Background of PPGenAction DePaul

The group says DePaul did not cite any school policies or procedures in their decision. PPGenAction DePaul formed during the 2022-2023 school year to provide students with sexual health information and resources. “It is disappointing to see a campus that prioritizes social justice removing groups doing the work they uplift in their classrooms in such a manner,” Maya Roman, PPGenAction DePaul president, said in a statement. “It was made clear that we have not broken any rules or policies and it was solely our affiliation with Planned Parenthood that resulted in our disbandment.”

University’s Stance

In a statement, a DePaul spokesperson said the university does not allow student groups to affiliate with outside organizations “whose core missions are in direct conflict with the values and teachings of the Catholic Church. Planned Parenthood falls into this category.” “We remain committed to supporting student-led dialogue on important issues, including reproductive health,” the spokesperson added.

Details of the Meeting

Only the organization’s student leaders and faculty advisers were called in for the “organizational status meeting” on June 3 with the university, PPGenAction DePaul said. During the meeting, the students tried explaining that the organization is affiliated with Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, the political arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, which does not provide abortions. But that didn’t make a difference. The university told the students the group would only be able to continue if it removes all affiliation with Planned Parenthood or any other abortion provider.

Activities and Impact

The organization is holding a town hall at 11:30 a.m. Friday, both in person at the Lincoln Park Chicago Public Library branch and virtually on Zoom. The group’s campus activities included workshops on activism and social justice, a discussion on sexual assault awareness and other smaller events like craft nights and discussions about gender identity. “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,” Roman said. “Our chapter being evicted is a great disservice to the health and wellness of the DePaul and Chicago communities.”

Conclusion

The disbandment of PPGenAction DePaul by DePaul University due to its affiliation with Planned Parenthood has sparked controversy, with the group arguing that the decision is based solely on its connection to an abortion provider. The university maintains that it does not allow student groups to affiliate with organizations whose core missions conflict with the values and teachings of the Catholic Church. This decision highlights the complex intersection of social justice, reproductive rights, and religious values in educational institutions.

FAQs

• Q: Why was PPGenAction DePaul disbanded by DePaul University?
  A: According to the university, it was because PPGenAction DePaul’s affiliation with Planned Parenthood, whose core mission is in direct conflict with the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Q: What was PPGenAction DePaul’s main goal?
  A: The group aimed to provide students with sexual health information and resources.
• Q: Can the group continue its activities without the affiliation?
  A: The university suggested that the group could continue if it removed all affiliation with Planned Parenthood or any other abortion provider, but this condition was deemed unacceptable by the group.
• Q: How has the group responded to the disbandment?
  A: PPGenAction DePaul is holding a town hall to address the situation and has expressed that the decision is a disservice to the health and wellness of the DePaul and Chicago communities.