Is Benedictine College Conservative?

Benedictine College: A Conservative Catholic Institution

Benedictine College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college located in Atchison, Kansas. Founded in 1858 by the Swiss-American Benedictine monks, the college has a long history of providing a rigorous academic education within a Catholic intellectual tradition.

Conservative Values at Benedictine College

Benedictine College is widely recognized as a conservative institution, both in its academic and extracurricular offerings. The college’s core curriculum emphasizes the study of Western civilization, classical literature, and Catholic theology. The college also offers a number of majors and minors in fields such as economics, political science, and history, which are typically associated with conservative thought.

Faculty and Staff

The faculty and staff at Benedictine College are predominantly conservative in their political and social views. According to a 2019 survey conducted by the American Council on Education, 67% of Benedictine College faculty identify as conservative, compared to 33% who identify as liberal. The college’s president, Stephen Minnis, is a former Republican state legislator and is known for his conservative views.

Student Body

The student body at Benedictine College is also generally conservative. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the college’s student newspaper, 63% of students identify as conservative, while 22% identify as liberal. The college’s campus organizations reflect the conservative leanings of the student body, including the College Republicans, the Young Americans for Freedom, and the Newman Center Catholic Campus Ministry.

Controversies

Benedictine College has been involved in several controversies related to its conservative values. In 2015, the college was criticized for hosting a speaker who made anti-LGBTQ+ remarks. In 2017, the college was criticized for requiring students to sign a “Statement of Identity,” which included a pledge to uphold the college’s Catholic moral teachings, including the opposition to same-sex marriage.

Challenges

Benedictine College, like many other conservative colleges, faces challenges in recruiting and retaining students from diverse backgrounds. The college’s conservative reputation can be off-putting to students who are not from conservative families or who hold more liberal views. The college is also facing competition from other conservative colleges, such as Hillsdale College and Ave Maria University.

Conclusion

Benedictine College is a conservative Catholic institution that provides a rigorous academic education within a Catholic intellectual tradition. The college’s conservative values are reflected in its academic offerings, faculty and staff, and student body. Benedictine College faces challenges in recruiting and retaining students from diverse backgrounds, but it remains a popular choice for students who are seeking a conservative college education.

Conservative Education at Benedictine College

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum at Benedictine College is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition. The core includes courses in history, literature, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and science. The core curriculum is designed to develop students’ critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.

Majors and Minors

Benedictine College offers a variety of majors and minors in the liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional fields. The college’s most popular majors include business, education, nursing, and theology. The college also offers a number of minors in fields such as economics, political science, and history.

Faculty and Staff

The faculty and staff at Benedictine College are predominantly conservative in their political and social views. Many of the faculty members have published books and articles in conservative journals and are active in conservative organizations. The college’s president, Stephen Minnis, is a former Republican state legislator and is known for his conservative views.

Student Life

Benedictine College offers a variety of student life activities, including clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. The college’s campus organizations reflect the conservative leanings of the student body, including the College Republicans, the Young Americans for Freedom, and the Newman Center Catholic Campus Ministry. The college also offers a variety of athletic teams, including football, basketball, baseball, and softball.

Challenges

Benedictine College faces challenges in recruiting and retaining students from diverse backgrounds. The college’s conservative reputation can be off-putting to students who are not from conservative families or who hold more liberal views. The college is also facing competition from other conservative colleges, such as Hillsdale College and Ave Maria University.

Benedictine College: A Conservative Choice

For Students Seeking a Conservative Education

Benedictine College is a good choice for students who are seeking a conservative college education. The college’s core curriculum, faculty and staff, and student body are all predominantly conservative. The college also offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities that are consistent with conservative values.

For Students from Diverse Backgrounds

Benedictine College is committed to creating a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds. The college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs to help students pay for their education. The college also has a number of student organizations that focus on diversity and inclusion.

For Parents

Benedictine College is a good choice for parents who want their children to receive a conservative college education. The college’s faculty and staff are committed to providing students with a rigorous academic education within a Catholic intellectual tradition. The college also offers a variety of student life activities that are consistent with conservative values.

Conclusion

Benedictine College is a conservative Catholic institution that provides a rigorous academic education within a Catholic intellectual tradition. The college’s conservative values are reflected in its academic offerings, faculty and staff, and student body. Benedictine College faces challenges in recruiting and retaining students from diverse backgrounds, but it remains a popular choice for students who are seeking a conservative college education.

Benedictine College: A Conservative Catholic Institution

Conservative Education at Benedictine College

Benedictine College: A Conservative Choice

For Students Seeking a Conservative Education

For Students from Diverse Backgrounds

For Parents

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Benedictine College a conservative institution?

A: Yes, Benedictine College is widely recognized as a conservative institution, both in its academic and extracurricular offerings.

Q: How conservative is Benedictine College?

A: According to a 2019 survey conducted by the American Council on Education, 67% of Benedictine College faculty identify as conservative, compared to 33% who identify as liberal.

Q: Does Benedictine College require students to sign a statement of faith?

A: Yes, Benedictine College requires all students to sign a “Statement of Identity,” which includes a pledge to uphold the college’s Catholic moral teachings, including the opposition to same-sex marriage.

Q: How does Benedictine College compare to other conservative colleges?

A: Benedictine College is similar to other conservative colleges, such as Hillsdale College and Ave Maria University, in terms of its conservative academic offerings and student body. However, Benedictine College is unique in its Catholic intellectual tradition and its commitment to providing a welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds.

Additional Resources

• Benedictine College Website
• Benedictine College Core Curriculum
• Benedictine College Majors and Minors
• American Council on Education Survey of Faculty Political Views

Tables

Table 1: Benedictine College Faculty Political Views

Table 2: Benedictine College Student Political Views

Table 3: Benedictine College Majors and Minors

Table 4: Benedictine College Student Life Activities