DePaul University Disbands Planned Parenthood-Affiliated Student Group

DePaul University, the largest Catholic university in the United States, has ordered the Planned Parenthood Generation Action chapter to disband due to its affiliation with Planned Parenthood, which the university states is in direct conflict with Catholic Church teachings. The student group, active since the 2022-2023 academic year and affiliated with Planned Parenthood Illinois Action—the political arm that does not provide abortions—was told it could only continue if it severed all ties with Planned Parenthood or other abortion providers. The university did not cite any specific policies or rules broken by the group, prompting criticism from student leaders and advocates who argue the decision undermines the university's social justice mission and silences student activism. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action and student leaders condemned the move as a disservice to community health and student voices. In response, the organization has scheduled a town hall meeting to discuss possible next steps and to rally support. DePaul maintains it supports student dialogue on reproductive health but upholds its policy against affiliations that conflict with Catholic values.