The American bishops are to consider the draft norms at their November 1999 meeting. Whenever the norms are finally approved, they are to be implemented in a five-year period. So, a great deal of time will elapse before anything takes effect. Clearly, there are strengths in the draft norms under review now. One section explicitly affirms that a Catholic university enjoys institutional autonomy and that that must be respected so that it can carry out its mission of seeking the truth.
Academic freedom is described as an essential component of a Catholic university.
The norms declare that the religious liberty of every individual must be respected and that it is important that Catholic universities and the hierarchy have collaborative relationships. But it is also true that parts of the document pose serious problems. Others concern financial matters. I think requiring Catholics teaching theology to obtain a mandate from the local bishop is a major issue. Furthermore, I think the draft norms lack adequate appreciation of the present reality that Catholic higher education in America operates according to strong lay-religious partnerships, including lay Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and many individuals of other faiths.