A Catholic university in Illinois has pulled back on its support for transgender individuals following pressure from conservative groups. Benedictine University (BenU) in Lisle, Illinois, initially backed a campus event for Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) in November. However, after facing criticism, the university removed resources for LGBTQ+ students from its website.
TDOR, observed annually on November 20, honors transgender individuals lost to violence. Since 2018, BenU has publicly recognized this day. The day before the event, a controversial social media account, Libs of TikTok, criticized the program, which may have influenced subsequent changes at the university.
BenU issued a statement defending its TDOR event, emphasizing the value of honoring every life. They described the program as a solemn prayer service aligned with their Catholic beliefs. Despite this commitment, reports suggest a shift in the university’s stance soon after considerable media attention, especially from a Fox News article that followed local news coverage.
In the weeks after TDOR, BenU removed various LGBTQ+ support resources, including the Safe Space program. This program aimed to create an inclusive campus environment and listed trained faculty members as allies. LGBTQNation highlights this move as part of a broader trend among universities adjusting their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in response to conservative backlash.
As Kit Avanzado, the university’s director of communications, stated, the influx of media attention prompted a review of resources to align them with the university’s mission. He characterized this as an opportunity to ensure that their offerings were current and effective.
Francis DeBernardo from New Ways Ministry voiced disappointment over the removal of resources, linking it to a growing trend where anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric is pushing marginalized groups further into the shadows. This situation reflects a wider struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, echoing historical battles from the 1980s AIDS crisis to modern-day legislative changes.
Engaging with LGBTQ+ topics on campus can be crucial for fostering community and support. According to a 2022 survey by the Human Rights Campaign, nearly 42% of LGBTQ+ youth reported feeling “not safe” at school. Programs like those previously at BenU are vital in combatting this feeling of isolation.
In conclusion, the actions taken by Benedictine University exemplify the tension between institutional commitments and social pressures. The university’s initial support for the transgender community demonstrates a recognition of dignity and respect, but the subsequent retraction signals the influence of external opinions. This ongoing discussion is essential in the fight for equality and acceptance in society.
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