Sounds like the place is a nest of vipers. At this point, it would be a very good idea for the Bishop or Archbishop to intercede and take over the argument in support of the president.
Clarity must be reestablished that this is a Catholic institution, not a secular one, and though they might teach secular subjects, these do not predominate, nor are they even the equal of its theological purpose.
If faculty members do not grasp this idea, then they are teaching in the wrong institution. Likewise, non-Catholic faculty should be encouraged to mind their own business.
Mary Lyons has got guts! I hope she gets the full support of the bishop and anyone else involved; isn’t University of San Diego a Jesuit institution? This, of course, means it could go either way...there are good Jesuits and then there’s the other kind.