This cartoon appeared in The Michigan Daily, campus newspaper at the University of Michigan. Catholic League president William A. Donohue’s letter to University of Michigan president Dr. James Duderstadt appears below.
Dr. James Duderstadt
President,
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Dear Dr. Duderstadt:
Enclosed is a copy of a cartoon that was nm in The Michigan Daily. The point of the cartoon, as any honest observer would agree, is to insult Catholics.
Furthermore, it is ironic to read the “Notable Quotable” statement that appears above the bigoted cartoon. It counsels against stereotypes but, of course, it counsels against stereotyping black men, not Catholic priests.
I am familiar with the commitment that the University of Michigan has made to multiculturalism and respect for diversity. Since it is apparent that there is a problem with Catholic-bashing on your campus (I have evidence of other such incidents), I would be most interested in knowing whether anti-Catholicism receives due recognition in your multicultural curricula. I would also like to know whether sensitivity training seminars are available for those who offend the sensibilities of persons on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.
Please be advised that as president o f the nation’s largest Catholic civil rights organization, I am prepared to do what is necessary to rid your campus of the bigotry it presently entertains.
Sincerely,
William A. Donohue, Ph.D.
President
