Officials at Fairfield University announced today that a forum entitled, "Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples," set for Thursday, April 14, has been cancelled.

The decision to cancel the event stems from a concern on the part of the Fairfield University administration that what was intended to serve as an educational forum has evolved into a situation in which external organizations are taking advantage of the event to advocate for a specific legislative agenda.

It was learned that one of the co-sponsors, an organization external to the University, had invited members of the Connecticut General Assembly to attend the event with the clear intent to influence pending legislation.

In announcing the cancellation, William Schimpf, vice president for student services, said, "In the interest of providing opportunities for our students to benefit from the free exchange of ideas, the administration has been in contact with the sponsoring student organization and offered them the opportunity to organize another event, for the University community, which would consist of speakers who can represent varying points of views on this subject."

Posted On: 04-12-2005 10:04 AM

Volume: 37 Number: 237