12.7.2005

BOSTON COLLEGE BANS GAY DANCE AND HIV/AIDS FUNDRAISER

ADMINISTRATION CENSORS GLBT STUDENTS ONLY MONTHS AFTER ADOPTING A MORE GAY FRIENDLY NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY.

( Boston, MA )- Following months of planning on the part of the GLBT community, Boston College has decided to cancel a planned "AIDS Benefit Gala, A Celebration of Diversity" which was to be held on December 9. The Dean for Student Development, Robert Sherwood, with the support of the Vice-President for Student Affairs, Cheryl Presley, abruptly informed organizers of the decision. This came as a shock to the GLBT community and other Faculty, Staff, and Students of Boston College, as the University recently adopted a new notice of non-discrimination committing itself to maintaining a welcoming environment for students, regardless of sexual orientation.

This brings to the surface, once again, the concerns voiced by the Boston College community to the administration during last years "Strike and Rally for Equality" regarding the need for the inclusion of sexual orientation in B.C.'s notice of non-discrimination.

Perhaps even more distressing are the reasons cited by Dean Sherwood for canceling the event. In meetings with leaders of the GLBT community he and other administrators cited the impending announcement of a billion dollar capital campaign drive during which the University will seek the support of "older, more conservative alumni." Also among the reasons given, were concerns about the safety and privacy of GLBT students, and the upcoming merge with the Weston School of Theology, which will require Vatican approval. Following the announcement by the Vatican at the end of November, that it would be assuming a tougher stance on homosexuality in the Clergy, one must wonder if Boston College will abandon its mission as an institution of higher learning every time the Vatican releases a new position paper. This university has been a leader in conversations regarding Catholicism through its landmark Church in the 21st Century program; if it wants to continue to lead, it must do so by example, and make a substantive change.

Speaking plainly, this dance was canceled because of its organizers' sexual orientation. The Administration has selectively targeted the GLBT community, in an act of blatant bigotry and discrimination, and in doing so, has broken its promise to extend its welcome, "in particular to those who may be vulnerable to discrimination." Furthermore, Boston College has made abundantly clear that the charity proceeds of this event are of no importance - that they regard intolerance more highly than charity, and in doing so, bring shame to their Jesuit and Catholic heritage. It should be made clear that this event was not just for the GLBT community. Ticket sales were open to the entire student body, and everyone was welcome at this event – so long as they respected it as a safe zone. Any statement to the contrary is factually inaccurate, and a deliberate misrepresentation of the mission of this event.

Boston College has stated that it wishes to become, "The Best Catholic University in the World", however they have chosen to set a policy which bans, censors, and curtails the expression of its students, simply because of their sexual orientation. How can academic inquiry thrive in such a setting? Boston College will never achieve its full potential while retaining the right to legally discriminate. It is irreconcilable with the mission of higher education and with the values of tolerance espoused by Christianity.

Hurt, and deeply appalled by the University's disregard for the human, and Catholic values of tolerance, decency, and respect, the GLBT and Allied communities have pledged to raise their voice once again. Among those troubled by the Administration's act are the Boston College Democrats. Justin Galacki ‘06, President of the Boston College Democrats and the College Democrats of Massachusetts, issued a statement of behalf of both groups. “It is extremely upsetting that there still must be a fight for basic human rights. We hope that the Boston College Administration will learn that no religion is in favor of discrimination and we need to promote a culture of compassion and tolerance,” he said.

The groups' feelings are not far off from those of the rest of the Boston College community. Over 84% of those students who voted in last year's student elections supported equal rights for the GLBT community, along with the over 1,500 students, faculty, and staff that marched in solidarity. This has demonstrated that Boston College is a loving and accepting community, which will not tolerate an Administration, which openly discriminates against and ostracizes members of its own community.

For more information please contact Patrick Forecelli at patrick.forcelli@gmail.com.