Saint Mary’s College has announced that it will be reversing its recent policy that allowed trans-identifying students to apply to the all-women’s school.
Last month, Turning Point USA covered how Saint Mary’s College, a Catholic women’s school in Indiana, quietly revised its non-discrimination policy to allow trans-identifying individuals to apply for undergraduate admission. The policy stated that the college would consider admitting applicants who “consistently live and identify as women,” not just biological women.
The college justified the policy by citing Title IV of the Education Amendments of 1972 and claimed compliance with anti-discrimination laws, particularly Title IX. However, critics argued that the Department of Education has clarified that Title IX exemptions apply to private undergraduate colleges, which would include Saint Mary’s College.
Amid the backlash, Saint Mary’s College has announced that it will be reversing this decision. Saint Mary’s College President Katie Conboy released a statement announcing the reversal, acknowledging that the policy went against the Catholic identity of the school. The statement expressed regret for unintentionally creating division and losing people’s trust, and stated that the college’s board has decided to return to the previous admissions policy.
“There have been many voices responding to us from many places and perspectives. We have listened closely and we have heard each of you,” Conboy said.
Conboy further acknowledged that Saint Mary’s College had underestimated the community’s desire to be involved in policy-decisions of the university.
“As this last month unfolded, we lost people’s trust and unintentionally created division where we had hoped for unity. For this, we are deeply sorry,” she stated. “Taking all these factors into consideration, the Board has decided that we will return to our previous admissions policy.”
The TPUSA chapter at Saint Mary’s College, which has yet to be officially recognized by the school, vocally criticized the new transgender policy. Chapter President Claire Bettag characterized the policy as anti-women and anti-Catholic and applauded the efforts of the TPUSA students who pushed for change.
“I am so proud of the women in our chapter who stood up against the school to fight this anti-women and anti-Catholic policy. The truth of God will always win,” Bettag said.
This piece first appeared at TPUSA.
