On Friday, Pope Francis released "Amoris Laetitia." In the document he urges priests around the world to be more accepting of same-sex couples, saying that unjust discrimination towards these couples is unacceptable. Just a weekend away, the Marianist Catholic college, University of Dayton's PRIDE week is in full swing. This week, there will be an event every day honoring and celebrating LGBTQ culture and individuals, on our campus and the greater community. This is just one of the ways in which the University of Dayton has become a more inclusive campus and has shown its appreciation for diversity, expanding the meaning of the word "community."
This 2015-2016 school year has seen great strides in the acceptance and appreciation of LGBTQ students on the University of Dayton's campus. As a Marianist institution, UD recognizes the dignity of each person is respected and valued, and each person is a full member of the community. Beginning in March 2014, the Student Government Association passed a resolution seeking additional and enhanced support services for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, or questioning, adopting the acronym LGBTQ+. A task force was created and identified four areas for the University to focus its attention for these new support services; education and training, visibility and services, policy, and climate.
Additionally, in August 2015, the university created a graduate assistant position for LGBTQ+ Support Services to dedicate their time to these causes, promote the LGBTQ+ resources and support, and educate students and faculty on sexual orientation and gender identity from the viewpoint of Catholic and Marianist values.
This year marks the 10th year of UD offering Ally Training. Ally Training is focused on providing faculty and students the tools and skills necessary to ally with the LGBTQ+ community on campus and the world. The training also focuses on discussing the struggle and attitudes members of this community face daily. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to Ally Train and join the campus network of allies.
In an effort to expand the scope of LGBTQ+ Support Services on campus, this year, University of Dayton also created the LGBTQ+ Student Advisory Council, which focuses on discussing the needs of the UD LGBTQ+ community and suggesting potential solutions, services, or programs.
Students can also become a Q*mmunity Leader. These students work to design, implement, and publicize the LGBTQ+ services, events, and programs on campus.
In an effort to educate more students, teachers (and students) can make it a day on and not a day off. If a teacher is going to cancel class, you can request a presentation for the class by the LGBTQ+ Support Services Graduate Assistant. The presentation will present material on the basics of understanding and accepting those that identify as LGBTQ+, aligning the lesson with Marianist values of treating every member of the community with dignity and respect.
Lastly, student organizations, Spectrum and Athlete Ally, have been active and vital for promoting allyship. Spectrum is the Gay-Straight Alliance on campus, creating a safe-space for students and promoting awareness. Athlete Ally focuses on creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone from athletes to fans regardless of sexual orientation and gender identification.
Leading with the motto "Community means everyone," the expansion of the campus's LGBTQ+ services this school year, is challenging what it means to be a Marianist college. University of Dayton has made strides to change their attitude toward LGBTQ+ students from one of tolerance to one of acceptance.
