Rick Majerus’ comments are in direct conflict with the university’s mission statement. Simply stated, when he signed his contract with the university he agreed to uphold and follow that mission staement. If his beliefs are contrary, he should resign or be dismissed.

An employer has every right to ask or require that an employee represent themselves in a manner consistent with the mission and philosophy of that organization. However, Mr. Majerus was not acting, speaking for or representing SLU when he made his comments. This has been very plainly stated by not only himself, but a SLU representative as shown above. It’s a fine line to walk, unfortunately.

Mr. Majerus was expressing himself, as was his right under our laws. He did not make false statements, he did not slander any person or entity. It’s unfortunate that he is being condemned for his beliefs. It doesn’t seem very “Christian” of the Archbishop to show such negative backlash, but it seems that tolerance isn’t very “Christian” anymore, either. That is the problem with zealots and fanatics–the dangerous part is not what they believe in, it’s the fact that they cannot and will not tolerate or respect any other viewpoint than their own.

I think that Mr. Majerus needs to decide if he is content working for SLU, which is at the least an organization with strong Catholic ties, while still holding the beliefs he does. I certainly would not want to be associated with anyone such as Burke. I am glad I don’t have to worry about whether or not some old man in a funny hat will deign to label me “Catholic” or “Not Catholic” and pass judgment over my every thought and action.

It is becoming very clear that Mr. Majerus education at Marquette must have been flawed. I am sure that both St. Louis University as well as Marquette is well versed in the requirements of Vacation II as it relates to education and its educators both lay and religious.

It is impossible to put any acceptable spin on this issue from the University and they know it, so what do they do now?

It’s really rather amusing for someone who refers to Catholics as “zealots and fanatics” and calls the spiritual leader of over a half a million people as “some old man in a funny hat” to lecture anyone on tolerance.

It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.

Mary E. # 84 you need to get your facts straight. Here are a few to start you off. SLU is a Catholic University and be required to have ethical and moral judgments per its mission.

About SLU
Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,000 students on campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, Saint Louis University is the place where knowledge touches lives.
Jesuit Mission
Why choose a Jesuit school?
There are reasons people are impressed when you say you attend a Jesuit college.

First, we believe in educating the whole person — mind, body, heart and spirit. The more whole you are, the more you can contribute to the world.

Second, Jesuit schools are known for their rigor. We don’t so much embrace ideas as challenge them, always looking for larger, stronger answers. As a consequence, not only will you learn to defend your ideas, you will learn to improve upon them, developing the intellectual wherewithal to think clearly, argue pointedly and express yourself beautifully.

And, finally, you will evolve as a leader, acquiring the ethical and moral underpinning necessary to make sound judgments. Through class, service learning and learning to appreciate cultural difference, you will come to see the world — and your place in it — as a wondrous opportunity for growth and good works.

Burke is wrong and pompus. I applaud the individuals who stand up to him and his tyranny! Can’t the Catholic Church find a better representative for St. Louis? One that deals with the real issues instead of pushing them under a rug and blowing little things out of proportion?

Lets clear the air: You do not have a free speech claim when a private entity supresses an employee’s expression. Its only when a government actor supresses speech that it is a free speech issue.

SLU is not formally recognized as a “Catholic” shcool per se, it is not under a Roman mandatum, it has not applied for mandatum status, it is not an institution created by, funded or overseen by the archdiocese. It was founded by Jesuits who were here before the archdiosese was even establshed, it is now operated by a lay board and the Jesuits answer to their own cardinal in rome and Burke needs to got to Rome to force Biondi to do anything.

Majerus can say what he wants, the university could take action against him if it elects to do so, and Burke cannot force the unmiversity to do anything.

Archbishop Burke is correct. Rick Majerus is a publice figure, and public figure’s are suppose to keep quiet about controversial/emotional issues. If Majerus is a “respectable person,” he would apologize for his statements and the controversy would end.

Man, what a mess this is huh. Anyways, it sounds like SLU sold out their religious affiliation in order to pay off that new arena. I know that sounds pretty awful. However because of this, SLU also lost the right to fire Majerus because since it is not a religious institution in the eyes of the State of Missouri, they can not discipline or fire people due to Catholic doctrine because that would be considered discrimination. Anyways what Majerus did was a dumb mistake and he certainly didn’t think of the consequences but should he punished and ostricized for it. Burke blew this out of proportion just like every other stupid controversy he brewed up. As a Catholic, I am fustrated at the ways he approches controversial issues such as these. I have to wonder, What would Jesus do in this situation? Do you think he would make a big deal out of this like Burke, or do you think he would be more concerned with other issues like poverty, famine, and other crises going on in the world?

Let’s break this down. A very public figure at a university run by Catholics advocates MURDER. Should anything be done about this? Duh.

Does an institution have the right to reprimand public figures that work for said institution who say things that are inappropriate? Ask Jimmy the Greek.

What would Jesus do? Well, he’d probably administer to the sinner over dinner. Of course, Archbishop Burke is not Jesus, but then again, neither or you.

We do not know if the Archbishop tried to have dinner with Majerus or tried to privately resolve this. I suspect he also did not go to the press, they came to him and made it a public issue.