US: An American university which will host President Mary McAleese in May is at the centre of a row over freedom of expression and religious values, writes Denis Staunton in Washington
Notre Dame university in Indiana has placed restrictions on two controversial events, a "queer film" festival and performances of The Vagina Monologues, because they may be inconsistent with Catholic values.
Notre Dame's president Fr John Jenkins said last month that he would decide after consulting staff and students if the events should be banned altogether in future. "I do not believe that freedom of expression has absolute priority in every circumstance," Fr Jenkins said.
"While any restriction on expression must be reluctant and restrained, I believe that in some situations, given the distinctive character and aspirations of Notre Dame, it may be necessary to establish certain boundaries, while defending the appropriate exercise of academic freedom."
A spokesperson for President McAleese confirmed yesterday that she had agreed to give the commencement address at Notre Dame in May but could not say if she was aware of the dispute over free speech at the university.
The Vagina Monologues performance was moved from a university theatre to a lecture hall and organisers were forbidden to raise money for women's groups as in previous years.
Fr Jenkins told organisers of the Queer Film Festival to change its name, which "seems to celebrate homosexual activity", to "Gay & Lesbian Film: Filmmakers, Narratives, Spectatorships".
"My understanding is there won't be discussion of morality of sexual behaviour or sexual activity but rather a discussion of films about gays and lesbians," he said before the festival began.
Events held on campus must be sponsored by academic departments and Fr Jenkins is concerned that such sponsorship could be viewed as an endorsement of views that are inconsistent with Notre Dame's Catholic ethos. Unlike most US universities, Notre Dame does not recognise any student gay groups.
Some staff and students support the restrictions but others, have expressed concern that academic freedom at Notre Dame could be threatened.
United for Free Speech, a group formed at the university, has urged opposition to any ban.
Notre Dame University has an Irish branch, the Keough Notre Dame Centre, which is based in Merrion Square, Dublin.