Thank you, President Towey (:
Dear Members of the Ave Maria University:
Today I issued a statement regarding the new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate that will require Catholic colleges and universities to provide contraceptive services, including sterilization, as part of their health plans. Presently Ave Maria University does not provide such coverage because of our adherence to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Bishop Frank Dewane issued a letter on January 31st that was read at all diocesan Masses and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has urged action. I have attached my statement to this email, and yesterday I videotaped a brief message on this same subject that you can see on our web site.
Ave Maria University is proud to subsidize our health care plan. Please be assured that I will do everything possible to make sure our employees continue to have access to health care insurance. The Board of Trustees will be meeting to discuss this matter and explore our options for legal remedy. I will be contacting our elected representatives and working with my colleagues in Catholic higher education to protect the University’s interests. The HHS mandate is unjust and must not stand.
I welcome your thoughts on this important matter. You can email me at president@avemaria.edu with any advice or reaction you have.
Please pray that this mandate is immediately rescinded and the University’s religious liberty rights are respected. On behalf of the University, I entrust this matter to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and her intercession.
Kind regards,
Jim Towey
President
