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About
Fidelity & ExcellenceThomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
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A Liberating Education
Truth MattersTruth, and nothing less, sets men free; and because truth is both natural and supernatural, the College’s curriculum aims at both natural and divine wisdom.
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A Catholic Life
Under the Light of FaithThe intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
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Admission & Aid
Is TAC Right for You?Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
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Students & Parents
Mind, Body & SpiritThere is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
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Alumni & Careers
What Can You Do with a Liberal Education?Nothing speaks more to the versatility of the College’s academic program than the good that our alumni are doing throughout the Church and the world.
SB News-Press: “College Takes Religious Freedom Fight to Supreme Court”
A recent story in the Santa Barbara News-Press highlights Thomas Aquinas College’s challenge of the HHS Contraceptive Mandate, which is now before the U.S. Supreme Court.
“We think the government has overstepped its bounds in trying to force Catholic organizations to provide coverage for contraceptives,” College President Michael F. McLean tells reporter Sara Bush. Adds General Counsel Quincy Masteller, “This is probably the most important religious liberty case to come down the pike in our generation. It is a pivotal case about how the government sees its role in regard to religious liberty in our country.”
The article, which examines the legal and constitutional question stakes, also considers the underlying issue that divides the two sides — their respective understandings of religious liberty.
“The practice of religion goes beyond the freedom to worship in church on Sunday, or the freedom to say prayers in your bedroom at night or in the chapel somewhere. In our judgment, the practice of religion extends to the workplace,” says Dr. McLean. “The provision of insurance is something of a moral obligation for us to provide to our employees, and we believe we should be able to provide insurance that conforms to the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. It comes down to this: free exercise of religion includes our ability to conduct our business affairs in a way that's compatible to our faith.”
Oral arguments for the case are scheduled to take place on March 23. The College is asking its friends and supporters to pray and fast on that day in support of the legal effort.