Duquesne University
Allows Formation
of Gay-Straight
Alliance
ThePittsburghChannel.com from the Web, December 18, 2005
PITTSBURGH, PA Dec.16 --
Duquesne University assigned a committee to probe, study and evaluate whether a
gay-straight alliance should start space up on campus.
After 12 weeks, the school said yes.
On a campus founded on Catholic teachings, hurtful words became a serious issue.
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| Matthew Pratter |
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Matthew Pratter emerged from the
student body as someone who wanted to eliminate what he called a "social ill" on
campus.
He launched the Gay-Straight Alliance.
"There was sort of an awareness of unwelcomeness to gay people," said Pratter.
"You used to be able to hear in hallways sexual epithets -- 'faggot,' 'homo.'
And these are some of the things … to address."
Duquesne University president Charles Dougherty said the university officially
accepted the Gay-Straight Alliance -- with stipulations.
First, the group will receive funding comparable to other student groups.
Second, it is prohibited from protests and petitions that conflict with the
university.
The other stipulation is that the Gay-Straight Alliance must be consistent with
the teaching of the Catholic Church.
"How is a gay organization in alliance with the practices of the Catholic
Church? Many people know that the Church preaches against homosexual
conduct. What is not widely known is that the church talks about the
respect and dignity of all people," said Dougherty.
"I have gay friends here. I have lesbian friends here. I think it's
fine," said student Gina Mangone.
"I think it's a good thing. As a Catholic university, we need to respect
all people, no matter what," said fellow student Andrew May.
Duquesne University released the following statement Friday:
"Formation of a gay straight alliance (sic) 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."
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.
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