Conservative Catholic Group Protest on Sheridan, Push Student Into the Road

Two Loyola students had altercations with members of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) at the intersection of North Sheridan Road and West Sheridan Road Sept. 3.  

A speaking event hosted by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies featuring a discussion between university President Mark Reed and famous internet priest Fr. James Martin drew protest from TFP. The conservative catholic group’s student division has been seen at Martin’s various speaking events, including one at Notre Dame University Aug 28. 

“Father Martin’s bridge to sin offends God!” one sign read. 

“Honk Against LGBT Grooming of Children,” another said. 

Members of TFP protesting near campus sparked various reactions from Loyola students. Some students grabbed protesters’ signs, while others argued with protesters or raised their middle finger in response. One student shook the hand of a member of the conservative group.

The nationwide organization, which works with affiliated groups around the world, encourages its members to engage in peaceful protests and document them for their YouTube channel and blog. 

“The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property™ (TFP™) is an organization of lay Catholic Americans concerned about the moral crisis shaking the remnants of Christian civilization,” the organization’s website states. 

TFP members handed out pamphlets titled “10 Reasons Why Transgenderism Is the Family’s Worst Enemy,” citing the American College of Pediatricians, the National Catholic Bioethics Center, the Public Discourse, the Federalist and the Williams Institute. 

The American College of Pediatricians is a designated “hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Public Discourse is the journal for the Witherspoon Institute, a conservative think tank. 

“As someone who is religious themselves, you cannot use religion to back up harmful ideology against people who were made in God’s image,” third-year public health student Jiawei Chan, who witnessed the protest, said.

Chan, among others, witnessed altercations between TFP members and Loyola students.

“A girl got pushed onto the street and another almost got pushed to the ground multiple times,” Chan said. 

A few other students ran over and checked in on the TFP member and the student in the road. The student who was pushed into the street had scratched her arm and hit her head. 

“He had her on the ground,” said third-year public health student Tyler Watkins-Roden. “He shoved her and pushed her onto the ground.” 

The student involved in the altercation declined to provide comment because of ongoing legal processes. 

Campus Safety arrived after multiple witnesses called. 

According to fourth-year English student Sophie Drobnick, members of TFP were outside Mundelein Center later in the day, praying the rosary. 

Campus Safety didn’t respond to The Phoenix’s requests for comment.