Tennessean: article dismisses ADF complaint against Vanderbilt....Update Vandy changes policy one day after ADF files complaint

Update: 8:21 PM 1-12-11....great news. Vanderbilt has decided to abandon the policy that they deny having in the first place. Per this story

Vandy has had a change of heart. 

ADF said they will be "monitoring the situation to make sure the university continues to comply with the law. It’s ironic that Vanderbilt changed its policy one day after denying that it required the pledge.”

Tennessean has an article responding to the Alliance Defense Fund's complaint.  I posted about it here. The Tennessean never has hidden their support of abortion.  They start off with the facts but then find two lawyers who say that ADF does not have much of a case because....Vandy does have a non discrimination policy.....which by the way is not stated in the acknowledgment but of course students are supposed  to just know that I guess.  The spokesman for Vandy says this is just to inform the applicants that they may be providing care to a woman who has had an abortion or  is seeking one. Here is the wording...what does it say to you? I think ADF is right when they say this is their way of screening out pro life personnel and a violation of their rights. The two lawyers they trot out for their article indicate that the wording in the required acknowledgment may not be the best but if they do not actually force someone  to participate in an abortion against their conscience they do not actually break the law. Pretty lame Vandy. Here is the actual wording...I think it is pretty clear that pro life nurses are not to apply and there is no advising of legal rights of conscience. No dice Vandy

Applicants to the nursing program's women's health track are required to sign an acknowledgment stating, "I am aware that I may be providing nursing care for women who are having" procedures including terminations of pregnancy.

"It is important that you are aware of this aspect of care and give careful consideration to your ability to provide compassionate care to women in these situations," the acknowledgment states. "If you feel you cannot provide care to women during this type of event, we encourage you to apply to a different track of the Nurse Residency Program to explore opportunities that may best fit your skills."