If Catholicism were strong at Notre Dame, the sponsorship of events even perceived to be at odds with the Catholic character of the University would be of little concern. It is insecurity that breeds fear, fear that breeds intolerance and intolerance that breeds censorship.
Citing the Catholic nature of the University as a reason to impose "appropriate limits" on academic freedom is a tacit concession that Notre Dame is insecure. It is an admission that you lack confidence in the effectiveness of the Catholic message of the University and its ability to refute attacks on the basis of its beliefs and provide an alternate and acceptable viewpoint. If Catholicism is strong at Notre Dame, it can hold its own in the academic debate whether it is the theory underlying the event or whether it is the theory challenging the theory underlying the event.
If the Catholic mission of Notre Dame is truly challenged by the former "Queer Film Festival" and "The Vagina Monologues" such that the University's only response is to stop them, then I am afraid you have greater problems at Notre Dame, and Catholicism has greater problems, than perhaps you know.
Justin Kaylaw school alumnusclass of 2005March 20
