Indiana’s Saint Mary’s College will allow applications from transgender women starting in 2024.
College Makes Bold Statement to Include Trans Women Students
Saint Mary’s College in Indiana is facing backlash as a result of their decision to begin taking applications from trans women next year.
Applications from Trans Women Will Be Accepted
According to the updated non-discrimination policy for the college, Saint Mary’s will now consider applications received by people “whose sex is female or who consistently live and identify as women.”
Board Decision Made Months Ago
This update was approved by Saint Mary’s College’s Board of Trustees over the summer.
Students and Faculty Received Email Update
President Katie Conboy, President of Saint Mary’s, announced the change in an email sent to the faculty and student body of the college. She said they are still working out the details of exactly how the policy will be put into practice.
Saint Mary’s is “By No Means the First” to Embrace Inclusivity
“We are by no means the first Catholic women’s college to adopt a policy with this scope,” said Conboy in the mass email.
“Our Message is In Line with Best Practices”
“In drafting the language for this update, I have relied on the guidance of the Executive Team and others to ensure that our message is not only in line with best practices for today’s college students, but that it also encompasses our commitment to operate as a Catholic women’s college,” she said.
All-Women’s Colleges Are Few In Number
Under 40 all-women’s colleges are still in operation in the United States today. Verbiage in Title IV of the Education Amendments of 1972 makes it possible for them to still operate without admitting men.
Desire for Inclusivity Drives New Policy
Saint Mary’s non-discrimination policy specifically outlines its desire to be inclusive.
Saint Mary’s is “Fostering a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Experience”
“The mission of Saint Mary’s College is to empower women, through education, at all stages in life. Essential to this mission is fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive campus experience. This mission is inherently tied to the vision and values of our founders and sponsors, the Sisters of the Holy Cross,” says the policy.
Pope Recently Announced Inclusive Guidelines for Trans Catholics
Earlier this month, the Pope released guidance that allows for transgender people to be baptized in the Catholic Church.
They are also allowed to serve as godparents and witnesses at officially recognized Catholic weddings, according to the Pope.
Pope’s Allyship On Display
This news was met with enthusiasm from religious members of the LGBTQ community who have historically been excluded from major life events.
The Pope recently dined with a group of transgender women at a World Day of the Poor event.
Board of Trustees Backs Decision
President Conboy said that the college’s Board was in full support of the policy change.
“We Should Continue to Create an Environment Where All Women Belong and Thrive”
“This confidence from our Board underscores their commitment that as an employer, Saint Mary’s must stand firm in its position as an inclusive community leader and that as educators, we should continue to create an environment where all women belong and thrive,” she said.
Papal Allyship Inspired Change
She pointed to the Pope’s allyship as the inspiration for the policy’s update.
“Pope Francis Advocates for Love”
“Pope Francis advocates for love as the appropriate approach to those who are different from ourselves: ‘Love then, is more than just a series of benevolent actions,’” Conboy quoted in the email.
“Our Love for Others Moves Us to Seek the Best for their Lives”
“Those actions have their source in a union increasingly directed towards others, considering them of value, worthy, pleasing and beautiful apart from their physical or moral appearances. Our love for others, for who they are, moves us to seek the best for their lives.”
College Receives Backlash
Saint Mary’s has received phone calls from students, parents, and college alumni who disagree with the policy change, but the school is remaining firm on its decision.
The post Pope’s Allyship Inspires Saint Mary’s College to Embrace Transgender Inclusivity first appeared on Wealthy Living.
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