The University of Malta does not see anything wrong with an e-mail it sent out last week to all students informing them of a series ofpro-family talks organised bythe Organisation of TheologyStudents.

A spokesman for the University said such e-mails were sent out regularly, promoting any event being organised by a Senate-approved student body.

The e-mail informed recipients of a course including a number of lectures being organised by the Theology Students’ Association on strengthening the family.

Some students complained that by sending out such e-mails promoting these events, the Registrar’s Office was assisting in the anti-divorce campaign when, as one of the University’s highest offices, it should keep such issues at arm’s length.

However, the University spokesman defended the e-mail saying it was promoting the event not the theme.

“Clearly, when the Registrar’s Office sends information concerning student association activities, it is assisting the association in its endeavours not espousing the theme or content of the event itself,” she said, when contacted.

The e-mail says the lectures were being organised “to help students realise the importance of adhering to lifestyles and values that will help the Maltese family grow in unity and love”.

According to the Registrar’s Office, all those attending this series of lectures may join the Degree Plus Programme through which students may earn points for taking part in extra-curricular activities.

Among the speakers are President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami, who has pronounced himself against divorce, while thelast lecture will be deliveredby chairman of the MarriageWithout Divorce Movement, Andre Camilleri.

Lecturer and columnist Mark-Anthony Falzon says in his column today (see page 15) that the initiative is nothing but a ploy to blitz students with anti-divorce rhetoric, a few weeks before the May referendum.