Tree Top Productions said that it was trying to “learn and reach outside our boundaries” when it booked philosopher, moralist and gay-rights advocate John Corvino to come to The Moose last Thursday night.

Little did they know that the booking would cause such an uproar — both within and outside the College — about the topic and who should be involved.

As most of the Aquinas campus found out last Thursday afternoon, the John Corvino presentation was postponed due to what was described as a “misunderstanding” for something that Tree Top Productions began advertising about three weeks ahead of time.

Despite the attempts by Tree Top Productions to make known that Corvino was coming to Aquinas only to teach respect, tolerance and compassion, President C. Edward Balog made the decision early Thursday that John Corvino’s visit would be postponed, due to the fact that the Catholic viewpoint could not be represented at the event.

Tree Top Productions, which had the event on its schedule far in advance, was approached by Mary Clark-Kaiser of Campus Ministry, who suggested that the event present a Catholic perspective following Corvino’s presentation.

“I was for that 100 percent,” said Sara Frees, adviser for Tree Top Productions.

Corvino was also willing to work with the opposing viewpoint. “He’s interested in what they have to say and working with them,” added Frees.

Frees and student representatives from Tree Top Productions asked both Dennis Marshall of the Aquinas Theology Department and Rev. Jim Chelich of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish to present following Corvino’s lecture.

According to Clark-Kaiser, “[Rev. Chelich's] main concern was that at a Catholic College when controversial topics are being discussed, which seem to give a position contrary to the church’s teachings, both sides should be present to give their views.”

In addition, the administration is said to have received pressure from Bishop Walter Hurley. “From what I was told, the bishop was not in support of this,” said Frees. “Father Jim was in support of this, but he just couldn’t make it.”

When it was found out that neither Marshall or Chelich could attend the event on Thursday evening, a group consisting of Aquinas students, Tree Top Productions and administration officials met to discuss plans.

The meeting was led by Balog, with Aquinas staff members Frees, Dave Weinandy, Don Chaffee, Greg McAleenan and Marty Fahey also participating.

“The [postponement] suggestion was made because of the response from the outside community and to make sure everyone’s happy,” said Frees, adding that members of Tree Top Productions spent nearly three hours in the Grace Hauenstein Library the evening before the meeting to discuss plans.

“The College subscribes to academic freedom — you should have the freedom to explore an issue from many sides,” said Balog. “The fallout from something like this could be fairly serious if we deviate from the notion of freedom of expression,” he added, noting that he had received more than 30 voicemail messages over the course of three days regarding the event.

“It was difficult because there were people who thought I was trying to stifle certain ideas, which is clearly not the case,” said Balog. “I think we discovered a policy gap in student programming.”

Instead of the event that was planned, more than 50 students showed up for an open discussion at The Moose to let their feelings be known. While many views were heard, one consistent theme came across — “[students] didn’t like how the alumni and outside community affected the decision,” said senior Ashley Perrin, president of Tree Top Productions.

Perrin added that there were no negative communications before the event from students.
A committee is scheduled to meet this week with recommendations regarding the event. “I think we need to make a policy that supports freedom of expression,” said Balog.

Frees agreed. “I believe that this is right and necessary.”

Regardless, Tree Top Productions is already planning for a retry of the event — tentatively scheduled for April 22.

As for those concerned, Tree Top Productions isn’t worried about the content or the way it will be presented. “We were very impressed with the way he presented himself and the subject,” said Perrin, referring to the trip to the National Association of Campus Activities fall conference, where Tree Top Productions first made contact with Corvino.

“It speaks volumes that the student body cares about this issue,” said Frees and Perrin. “That shows exactly why this needs to be here.”