-
Statement from the Diocese of Spokane Regarding the new Gonzaga School of Law Lincoln LGBTQ+ Rights Clinic
February 19, 2020
Bishop Daly is concerned about the new legal clinic at the Gonzaga Law School. While the Catholic tradition does uphold the dignity of every human being, the LGBT Rights law clinic’s scope of practice could bring the GU Law School into conflict with the religious freedom of Christian individuals and organizations. There is also a concern that Gonzaga Law School will be actively promoting, in the legal arena and on campus, values that are contrary to the Catholic faith and Natural Law. Bishop Daly and the diocese are studying the issue further and will be discussing these serious concerns with the university administration.
Unfortunately, the diocese was not consulted prior to the opening of this clinic. Bishop Daly is a strong supporter of Catholic Education and hopes that Gonzaga will continue to be a partner in the Catholic mission of faithful education in the Church.Update (Feb. 20, 2020)
Gonzaga University has reached out to the diocese, with President Thayne McCulloh offering to facilitate a conversation between the diocese and the Gonzaga School of Law, specifically looking at the scope and focus of the clinic. The diocese looks forward to speaking with the Law School to find a resolution to the concerns posed by the new legal aid clinic.