After committing to include gay students earlier this year, Boston College cancels a gay dance and AIDS fund-raiser.
December 07 2005 12:00 AM EST
December 06 2005 2:22 AM EST
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
After committing to include gay students earlier this year, Boston College cancels a gay dance and AIDS fund-raiser.
After committing to create a more welcoming environment for LGBT students earlier this year, Boston College, a Roman Catholic institution, has abruptly canceled a gay dance that was to serve as an HIV/AIDS fund-raiser. The cancellation follows months of preparation for the AIDS Benefit Gala: A Celebration of Diversity.
School spokesman Jack Dunn told the college's newspaper that the institution "cannot sanction an event that is exclusive and that promotes a lifestyle that is in conflict with church teaching and the Jesuit, Catholic mission and heritage of Boston College." As a Catholic, and specifically Jesuit, university, Boston College follows church doctrine strictly. The Vatican recently released a statement saying it "cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies, or support the so-called 'gay culture.'"
While Boston College administrators have been slow to address gay and lesbian issues, the school's students have acted swiftly. Following a vote in March in which over 80% of the school's students voted to support equal rights for gays and lesbians and an April protest where nearly 1,000 people rallied for LGBT rights, the college adopted a nondiscrimination policy that promised to be more welcoming of gay students. The school, though, refused to say discrimination against gay students would not be tolerated. (Advocate.com)
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!