Constructive Conversation About A Controversial Board

Courtesy of Human Engineers

Courtesy of Human Engineers

Clare Burgess '16, Staff Writer

The sudden removal of the diversity bulletin board that explained different sexual orientations is perhaps one of the biggest controversies this year, other than the spirit week catastrophe that shall not be named.

Dialogue about sexual orientation without the aggressive post-it notes that were posted after the removal of the bulletin board will enhance the diversity and openness of the school. While these notes contained valid opinions such as “you cannot be a feminist without supporting women of all sexual orientations,” it does not accomplish the dialogue necessary to inspire change. Additionally, the diversity coordinators did not ask for permission to put it up; however, according to the coordinators, they’ve never had to ask for permission to put up any other board, none of which have been taken down. So why was this the exception?

I wanted to understand the basis of the decision to remove a bulletin board that educated students on something that seemed so important.

It is easy to see that with prospective students visiting campus for shadow days and our ongoing tours, the board could have alienated potential families. Marymount is a school that teaches Catholic values and while Marymount identifies as an independent school, our Catholic identity is the center of our teachings and values. The Marymount mission, that all may have life and live it to the full, is our core Catholic value; in fact, it is the basis of the entire junior year theology curriculum. It is necessary that all admitted and prospective students understand and respect this Catholic identity. Thus, we adhere to the Catholic Church’s teaching of marriage being between a man and a woman. As a publicly Catholic school, Marymount must respect the Catholic doctrinal mission. The desire for a progressive dialogue is clear throughout campus; as evident through the “diverse, inclusive, accepting, welcoming, safe space for everyone” signs posted throughout the school.

Personally, I admire the school’s adhesion to Catholic values; however, I want to relate Marymount’s founding mission to the inclusion of people with different sexual orientations. Marymount was founded on the basis of giving education to prostitutes— people who were looked down on because of cultural values. People of different sexual orientations experience the same disapproval, so I view this controversial issue as something very in line with Marymount’s mission: that ALL may have life and live it to the full. It is necessary to create a dialogue between students and administration to openly talk about these issues without prejudice. Marymount expects us to be global advocates, and to be committed to social justice; they prepare us to face adversities and to stand up for those who are unable to do so themselves; this is simply what we are trying to do.

During this platform for discussion, it is important to acknowledge that the Archdiocese has a ministry called the Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons (CMLGP) who “[Believes] that baptism empowers all persons to live a full, Catholic life in union with all members of the Church, the Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons provides a safe and welcoming environment for lesbian and gay persons, their friends and family, through liturgy, outreach, education, and fellowship.”

The anger of the removal of this bulletin board further proves the need for a constructive conversation. Some people were deeply impacted by the removal; it conveyed the message that having a different sexual orientation is something to hide. However, this is not the case: Marymount values diversity, and Marymount’s student community is committed to making our school a place of rich diversity and safety to discuss these unique attributes. It is important to note that diversity is more than just race, more than just religion, and more than just zip codes.