Monday, October 12, 2009

Family values at Princeton?

Very encouraging commentary by Marcia Segelstein at the World Magazine Blog:

There may be hope yet. Students at Princeton University have formed an organization called The Anscombe Society, which, according to the mission statement on its website, is “dedicated to affirming the importance of the family, marriage, and a proper understanding for the role of sex and
sexuality.”

Its goal is to foster an environment that values traditional marriage and a “chaste lifestyle.” Yes, you read that correctly. Students at a secular Ivy League university have formed, of their own free will, a group promoting chastity!

The Anscrombe Society offers support for students who share those values, as well as opportunities for the wider university community to engage in discussions with them. Just a few days ago, The Anscrombe Society hosted an event called “Ask Anscrombe Anything.” People were encouraged to attend no matter what their views, as the website made clear: “If you find some of our positions reprehensible, then come and challenge us.”

How refreshing that such a group exists in the first place, and seems willing and eager to engage in difficult discussions with those who disagree.

The group’s website also includes a link to the Love and Fidelity Network for students on other campuses interested in forming similar organizations.

Princeton is already a bright spot when it comes to offering students a change from the leftist ideologies that dominate so many of America’s institutions of higher education. In 2000, Professor Robert George founded (and still directs) the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, renowned for its traditional curriculum.

And next month, Princeton will play host to the second annual intercollegiate conference on “Sexuality, Integrity and the University,” designed to educate students in arguments that uphold traditional views of marriage, sex, and family. Professor George will be a featured speaker.

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