To read the
Committee Report Summary click
here.
After intensive review, Duquesne University
will allow the formation of a gay straight alliance
on its campus with certain conditions including,
first and foremost, adherence to Catholic teachings
on homosexuality. The University’s core
principles include treating all members of its
community with dignity, compassion and respect.
Duquesne fosters a supportive environment where
the needs of all students—including those
historically marginalized by society—are
served.
Why did the University consider a gay
straight alliance?
In September, President Charles Dougherty, Provost
Ralph Pearson, and Executive Director of Mission
and Identity the Rev. Tim Hickey, C.S.Sp., received
a proposal for the creation of a gay straight
alliance on Duquesne’s campus. Due to the
clear implication on the University’s Catholic
identity and mission, President Dougherty convened
a special committee to examine the issue.
Who was on the committee?
Fr. Tim Hickey led the committee of students,
faculty, staff, Spiritans and administrators.
What was the committee charged with?
The committee was charged with examining the issue
in light of the University’s Spiritan mission
and Catholic identity. The committee was asked
to forward recommendations to President Dougherty.
What information did the committee consider
during its deliberation?
The committee reviewed the relevant portions of
the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the statement
of the United States Conference on Catholic Bishops
entitled “Always Our Children” and
the letter of the Congregation for the Doctrine
of the Faith entitled “The Pastoral Care
of Homosexual Persons.” The committee also
reviewed the constitutions of similar organizations
at a variety of other Catholic universities. Finally,
the committee reviewed the Duquesne University
Student Handbook and Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities
and Conduct.
Was the proposal approved?
The committee determined that the formation of
a gay straight alliance on campus could be approved
with certain conditions. President Dougherty has
accepted the committee’s recommendations.
What happens next?
If the interested students agree to abide by the
terms recommended by the committee and approved
by the president, a gay straight alliance would
be formally recognized.
What is the purpose of the group?
To provide the Duquesne community with:
- a forum for support and discussion regarding
issues related to sexual orientation within
the Catholic tradition
- educational foundation and resources to foster
a community understanding regarding issues related
to sexual orientation
- a forum to monitor and promote social equality
on campus
- a positive and educated Catholic student
voice regarding issues related to sexuality
and gender
- a safe and supportive environment for interested
members
Who will oversee the group?
The Executive Director of the Office of Mission
and Identity will oversee the group. In addition,
a university staff member, selected by the executive
director in consultation with the group, will
serve as the organization’s advisor. Both
individuals are charged with ensuring that the
group’s activities adhere to the approved
constitution and Catholic Church teachings.
Will the president of the University
play a role?
Yes. The president of the University will review
the organization’s activities formally every
two years. He retains authority to revoke official
recognition of the group at any time if the group
violates the terms and principles articulated
in the approved constitution.
How will the group be structured?
Membership is open only to Duquesne University
students, and will be structured in a way that
is similar to other Duquesne student organizations,
with the election of officers, the establishment
and amending of bylaws, and other appropriate
procedures and policies.
How will the group be funded?
Funding will be comparable to funding available
to other student organizations at Duquesne University.
Funding will be distributed through the Office
of Mission and Identity.
Which conditions must the group adhere
to?
Activities and programs sponsored by the group
must respect the Spiritan mission and Catholic
identity of Duquesne University and adhere to
Church teachings on sexuality.
What activities are permissible?
Activities could include the following examples:
- Educational programs that deepen knowledge
and understanding about issues concerning sexuality,
social attitudes and stereotyping among students
at Duquesne University
- Programs and activities that will provide
a healthy and conflict-free environment for
gay, lesbian and bisexual students and for students
who are questioning their sexual orientation
- Forums to discuss sexuality and religious
traditions, particularly Catholic moral teachings
- Programs and networks aimed at supporting
students in developing a responsible and mature
sexual identity
- Service projects that advance the well-being
of the community and reach out to the gay and
lesbian population of Pittsburgh
What would not be permissible?
Activities that do not adhere to Catholic Church
teachings will not be permitted. Sponsorship or
support of programs that involve public protests,
petitions or activities and events that conflict
with University policy or that which the Executive
Director for Mission and Identity determines to
be positions or behavior that are inconsistent
with the Spiritan mission and Catholic identity
of Duquesne University are prohibited.
Is the approval of this group an endorsement
of sexual activity?
The University follows Catholic teachings on human
sexuality. The approval is not an endorsement
of sexual activity, but rather, an effort to help
prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Was the bishop involved in the decision-making
process?
While the bishop was not involved in the decision-making,
the University informed him of the issue throughout
the process and notified him of the decision.
Does the bishop approve?
The bishop has indicated his support for the general
direction of the proposal, emphasizing adherence
to Catholic teachings on sexuality.
Did the University board of directors
play a role?
The Board was informed of the request, the process
and the decision.
Does the Duquesne University Corporation
(Congregation of the Holy Spirit) approve of the
decision?
Yes. The Corporation approves of the decision.
Doesn’t a gay straight alliance
go against Catholic teachings?
While the Catholic Church teaches that homosexual
activity is wrong, Catholic teaching also places
utmost importance on the inherent dignity of all
human beings. Opposing another’s actions
or viewpoints does not negate the responsibility
to treat each other with respect and dignity.
Paragraph #2358 of the Catechism of the Catholic
Church states that homosexuals “must be
accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard
should be avoided.”
Doesn’t a gay straight alliance
go against Duquesne’s mission?
No. Duquesne University’s policies and philosophy
are founded on the Spiritan tradition and are
consistent with Catholic teachings, which command
respect, compassion and sensitivity towards all
human beings, including homosexuals.
Is this group just like any other student
group?
No. The nature of the group has clear implications
on Duquesne’s Spiritan mission and Catholic
identity, dictating oversight by the Office of
Mission and Identity.
Do other Catholic colleges and universities
have gay student or university organizations?
Approximately 50 Catholic colleges and universities
have similar organizations. A sampling includes:
Georgetown
Boston College
Creighton
Loyola of Chicago
NY Medical College
Villanova Law School
LaSalle University
Mercyhurst College
Xavier University (OH)
John Carroll University
Fordham University
Canisius College
Gonzaga University
Iona College
Wheeling Jesuit University
Marquette University
Notre Dame
Alverno College
Assumption College
Barry University
Cardinal Stritch University
College of the Holy Cross
DePaul University
Edgewood College
Fairfield University
Loyola College of Maryland
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University New Orleans
Marywood University
Merrimack College
Saint Joseph College (Connecticut)
Saint Martin’s College
Saint Michael’s College
Salve Regina University
Santa Clara University
Seattle University
St. Edward’s University
Stonehill College
Avila University
St. Louis University
Albertus Magnus College
University of Dayton
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of St. Thomas
For more information, please contact Bridget
Fare, 412-396-6050. |
