CHICAGO — DePaul University has reportedly removed the student organization Planned Parenthood Generation Action from its campus, citing conflicts between the group’s mission and the values of the Catholic Church.
According to a recent report from the Chicago Sun-Times, the decision stems from the university’s position that the national organization’s goals are not aligned with Catholic doctrine, a central element of DePaul’s institutional identity.
Conflict With Catholic Teachings Cited
University officials pointed to Planned Parenthood’s advocacy for abortion rights and related reproductive healthcare services as fundamentally inconsistent with Catholic moral and ethical principles. A spokesperson reportedly told the Sun-Times that DePaul, as the largest Catholic university in the U.S., must uphold values that reflect its religious foundation.
“We must remain consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church,” a university statement read, adding that affiliations with organizations advocating positions contrary to those teachings cannot be officially supported on campus.
Student Group Disbanded After Review
Planned Parenthood Generation Action had been operating as a student-led chapter focused on reproductive justice, education, and outreach. While not directly funded by the national Planned Parenthood Federation of America, it shares branding, mission alignment, and promotional resources.
Students involved with the group said they were not notified until the university’s Office of Student Involvement formally delisted them from campus organizations. According to those familiar with the matter, the group was removed from the official student organization portal and lost access to university facilities and funding.
Debate Over Free Speech And Student Autonomy
The removal has sparked debate over academic freedom, with some student leaders and advocacy organizations calling the decision a suppression of student voice on a campus that also hosts diverse viewpoints.
Student representatives noted that DePaul continues to allow clubs with a wide range of political and social stances, raising concerns about inconsistent application of policy based on religious grounds.
“This is about more than just one group. It’s about whether students can organize around public health and human rights without fear of censorship,” said one former member of the disbanded organization, who asked to remain anonymous due to concern over backlash.
DePaul’s Longstanding Catholic Identity
Founded in 1898 and named after Saint Vincent de Paul, the university has maintained its mission as a Vincentian Catholic institution, emphasizing social justice, service, and faith-based education. While the school promotes diversity and dialogue, university leadership has often reaffirmed the need to align with Catholic Social Teaching, especially on matters involving human life and moral theology.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension at religious universities across the U.S. between doctrinal fidelity and evolving student activism, particularly on reproductive rights and healthcare access.
What Comes Next
It remains unclear whether DePaul students will attempt to recharter the group under a different name or pursue external legal or advocacy routes. As of now, Planned Parenthood Generation Action is no longer recognized at DePaul, and any future student activity tied to its mission would likely face the same scrutiny.
Should faith-based universities be allowed to disband student groups that clash with religious doctrine — or does this infringe on student rights? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
