The Franciscan University of Steubenville, citing its status as a “committed Catholic educational institution” that observes “objective reality,” recently filed a Title IX permit that allows it to use “gender identity” as a basis for sex discrimination. refused to change.
The prominent Catholic university based in Ohio will continue to use biological sex as the basis for segregating students in housing, restrooms, locker rooms and sports teams.
Franciscan University President Father Dave Pibonka TOR sent a letter informing students that the federal government’s changes to Title IX would not affect the university as a religious school because they conflict with Catholic teachings.
Franciscan University of Steubenville campus. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket, Getty Images)
“We believe in the inherent dignity of every human being,” Pivonka said. I have written. “And as devout Catholics, we believe in and follow the teachings of the Catholic Church, which considers “sex” to refer to the objective reality of human beings as men (men) or women (women). and is determined by the biological nature of the person. ”
Father Pivonka also highlighted the Franciscan Compendium on Human Sexuality, which reaffirms that sexual identity is based on a person’s biology.
“Violations of human dignity will not be tolerated on this campus,” Pivonka said. “Communicating authentic Catholic teachings of truth, beauty, freedom, and healing uplifts human beings in every way. Teaching what the Church teaches is an act of charity and a duty as a Catholic university. .”
The statement protects students and staff from being disciplined for not referring to people by their “preferred pronouns.” They also will not be disciplined for expressing beliefs consistent with the university’s belief that biology, not identity, determines gender.
The Biden administration says the changes to Title IX are intended to “clarify that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sexual stereotypes, sexual characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.” He claims that he did so.
University of Pennsylvania swimmer Leah Thomas and Kentucky swimmer Leah Thomas tied for fifth place in the 200 freestyle final at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 18, 2022 at McCauley Aquatic Center in Atlanta, Georgia. State swimmer Riley Gaines reacts. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire, Getty Images)
Religious institutions, such as Franciscan University, may resist such changes on the grounds that they conflict with their religious beliefs, but Biden’s Title IX changes would limit their ability to do so in 24 states that prohibit or severely limit their ability to do so. The number of men participating in women’s sports is sure to cause even greater controversy in public institutions.
