Opinion ID: 2350429
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Georgetown's Religious Tradition

Text: Through two centuries of growth, Georgetown University has been guided by the religious hope of its founder, John Carroll. All of its forty-six presidents have been Roman Catholic clergymen. On four occasions, the University has been headed by a bishop. In particular, Georgetown has continued a close relationship with the Jesuits. Since about 1825, without exception, members of that order have filled the presidential office. At trial, Reverend Timothy S. Healy, S.J., Georgetown's president and a defendant in this case, testified that until 1969 the general understanding was that the Society of Jesus owned the University and its property. In that year, the president and directors of Georgetown University signed an agreement with its Jesuit Community. With a few exceptions, the Jesuits relinquished their rights to University property. They also undertook to make periodic contributions to the University. Other provisions of the 1969 agreement sought to guarantee the continued and effective presence of the Jesuits at Georgetown University. Among these were promises by the Jesuit Community to make themselves available for religious services, residential duties and teaching positions, and to take steps to ensure that highly qualified members of their order be assigned to the campus community. The agreement specified the desirability, in order to preserve the Jesuit traditions of Georgetown University, that the University president be a member of the Society. Without confining deanships to their ranks, it was agreed that qualified members of the Society of Jesus will be regularly appointed to such of those positions as may be practical. The office of University Chaplain was reserved for a Jesuit. In the words of President Healy, the 1969 agreement represented a clear understanding that the University would continue to keep a very close affiliation with the Society of Jesus, to guarantee their presence at the University and to guarantee the meaning of the University in Jesuit terms that have existed up until that formal contract was drawn. President Healy testified that throughout its existence Georgetown has invariably defined itself as a Roman Catholic institution. This perception is illustrated by some of the opening words in its undergraduate bulletin: Georgetown is committed to a view of reality which reflects Catholic and Jesuit influences.... As an institution that is Catholic, Georgetown believes that all men are sons of God, called to a life of oneness with Him now and in eternity. Georgetown University, University Bulletin  Undergraduate Schools 1 (1980-81) (hereinafter Undergraduate Bulletin). According to its Law Center bulletin, Georgetown's religious heritage is a cherished part of its distinctive quality. Georgetown University, Law Center Bulletin 31 (1980-81) (hereinafter Law Center Bulletin). The Faculty Handbook describes Georgetown University as an American, Catholic, Jesuit institution of higher learning, seeking to uphold, defend, propagate, and elucidate the integral Christian and American cultural heritage through certain established principles, specific ideals, and definite traditions. Georgetown University, Faculty Handbook vi (1971) (hereinafter Faculty Handbook). The established principles are the demonstrated philosophical truths about the nature of man, the universe and God; the truths of Christian revelation and their crystallization through the centuries.... Id. Among the specific ideals are the perfectability of society through the acquisition and practice by its members of the theological, intellectual, moral virtues and their derivatives [and] the value of service to the community as an expression of Christian democratic ideals. Id. And the definite traditions include the Christian culture and conduct having their source and inspiration in the teachings and example of Christ.... Id. Georgetown University is a member of several associations of Roman Catholic educational institutions. As a Pontifical University, it is one of only two American universities entered in the Annuario Pontificio, an annual listing by the Holy See of all such institutions throughout the world. Chapels are scattered throughout its properties and Masses offered several times each day. Almost all of its directors are Catholic, although there is no formal requirement that they be so. During a five-year period just prior to trial, Jesuits made up between one third and one half of the board. Faculty members must maintain a sympathetic attitude towards Catholic beliefs and practices.... [4] Georgetown has the largest number of ministers in residence among the Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Roman Catholic doctrine influences some of Georgetown's policy decisions. Abortions and other proscribed procedures are not performed in the University hospital. Student newspapers may not carry advertisements for abortion clinics. Birth control devices may not be sold in the student stores. Cohabitation is forbidden between single students in the dormitories. In 1981, Georgetown returned a gift of $750,000 to the Libyan government due to the conflict between Roman Catholic teachings and that nation's perceived links with terrorist activity. Religious considerations, the trial court found, influenced Georgetown's denial of University Recognition and accompanying tangible benefits to the student groups.