The president of the College Republicans said a recent decision by the university to delay a speaking appearance by Karl Rove, a Fox News commentator and former advisor to President George W. Bush, is “politically motivated.”
“The College Republicans on campus are a small group, relatively speaking, compared to the Democrats and liberals on campus. People don’t like to hear what we have to say,” said Sean Vera, College Republicans president.
Robert Kelly, Ph.D., vice president of student development, said that Loyola’s non-profit, tax-exempt status with the IRS does not allow the hosting of political or “potentially political” events on campus before an election. Congressional midterm elections are slated for November.
Kelly noted that the date of the event, not the speaker, was denied by the university.
That is still a problem for the College Republicans.
Vera said that, because of scheduling conflicts, Rove would not be available to speak on campus after the elections if the university does not allow him to visit Oct. 19.
Vera that said the College Republicans would continue to work with Young America’s Foundation with aims of bringing Rove to Loyola in October.
“We’re hoping that the administration will change their mind,” Vera said. “We’re going to continue to fight this and win over public opinion.”
Rove has been credited as being a major architect of former President Bush's successful presidential campaigns in 2000 and 2004.
Loyola’s Unified Student Government Association allocated $25,000 for the College Republicans to pay for Rove’s speaker’s fee late in the Spring semester, according to USGA President Tony Catalano. Rove’s flight and accommodations were to be covered by the Young America’s Foundation, a conservative outreach group.
Vera said that he received a call a several weeks ago from Kimberly Moore, director of Student Activities and Greek Affairs, who said that the event’s contract was left unsigned because of the date’s proximity to Congressional midterm elections.
Moore was not available for comment. A SAGA staffer told the Phoenix that Moore would be out of the office until next week.
Vera said arguments that Loyola’s tax status would be put in jeopardy because Rove’s visit is close to midterm elections are not valid. He said Rove is not running for political office and would speak strictly about policy. He would not endorse or criticize political candidates,Vera added.
University spokesman Steve Christensen wrote in an email that under the guidelines of the current speaker policy, enacted August 2008, anyone whose speech or lecture is directly political in nature would not be allowed to speak at Loyola prior to Nov. 2, regardless of if they are running for office or not.
Kelly said officials from Loyola’s Public Affairs office and Student Development office will meet at some point in the next two weeks to discuss the issue further, although he did not give a definite date.
“We’re looking at it to make sure we’re not being overly cautious and to make sure we’re following the law,” Kelly said.
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