Catholic college praised for anti-porn policy

Jan 18, 2008 / 00:04 am

Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania is winning praise for putting internet filters on its computer network to block student access to pornography and gambling websites.

The filters on residence hall computers have been in place since August 2006, soon after present college president Jim Towey took office. 

“I think that we are in the minority of Catholic colleges and universities, but I like where we are,” Towey told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I think our Catholic identity and mission compel us to give this witness to our students that this community is not going to be complicit in this spreading of pornography.”

Local media and some students have recently started a controversy about the policy.

However, Joseph Esposito, research director at the Cardinal Newman Society, praised the school and its president.  “Such policies are typical of the best Catholic colleges—and yes, they are a minority,” he said.

“We are thrilled with President Towey’s leadership and urge other Catholic colleges and universities to follow his example,” Esposito said. “Today’s students want colleges that care about them beyond the classroom, and the best Catholic colleges do that by placing a priority on ethical and moral conduct.”