‘Monologues’ Planned at 27 Catholic Colleges
(Last Update: 2/16/04)
Cardinal Newman Society has placed full-page advertisements in USA Today as part of a nationwide protest of “The Vagina Monologues,” a vulgar and sexually explicit play that is planned for at least 27 Catholic campuses this month and next. The ads are scheduled to appear on February 17—subject to change to Feb. 18 or 19 at the discretion of USA Today—in the greater Baltimore-Washington, Boston and Chicago regions.
The list of planned performances announced by V-Day, the national group that has licensed campus productions at more than 500 schools this year, includes prominent institutions like Boston College, DePaul, Georgetown, Holy Cross (Massachusetts), Loyola (Baltimore), Loyola (Chicago), and Notre Dame (Indiana). The ad calls on readers to contact the presidents of these colleges and protest the play.
The ad can be viewed at www.cardinalnewmansociety.org/pdf/vmad.pdf.
Already Cardinal Newman Society’s campaign against the play has had an impact. Productions have been canceled at 16 Catholic colleges and universities this year, several prompted by letters, phone calls and e-mails urging administrators to ban “The Vagina Monologues.” Cardinal Newman Society praised college officials who interceded and banned the play at the Catholic University of America (Washington, DC), Loyola University of New Orleans (LA), St. John’s University (Jamaica, NY), St. Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, IN), the University of Portland (OR), the University of St. Francis (Joliet, IL), and Wheeling Jesuit University (WV).
“These leaders stood against political correctness in defense of their students’ spiritual and mental health,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of Cardinal Newman Society, a national organization dedicated to renewing Catholic identity at America’s Catholic colleges and universities. “They deserve the praise and support of all faithful Catholics.”
The campaign has fared even better than last year, when 32 Catholic colleges and universities hosted or sponsored “The Vagina Monologues” and 14 productions were canceled.
“The Vagina Monologues” presents women discussing their sexuality and sexual encounters, replete with vulgarity, explicit language, and graphic descriptions of lesbian activity and masturbation.
One scene describes the seduction of a sexually inexperienced 16-year-old girl by a 24-year-old lesbian, who first intoxicates the girl with vodka. Instead of presenting the incident as sexual abuse that would be illegal in many states, the play declares it the girl’s “surprising, unexpected and politically correct salvation.”
“I am appalled and embarrassed that any Catholic institution would present this play, especially in the midst of the clergy sex abuse scandal,” Reilly said. “Whether the perpetrator is a lesbian woman or a wayward priest, seduction of a minor is no one’s ‘salvation.’ I would hope that word has a much different meaning for Catholic students and educators.”
V-Day, an organization founded by author Eve Ensler to help fight violence against women, licenses productions of “The Vagina Monologues” to students and faculty at more than 500 college campus nationwide. Cardinal Newman Society wrote to the presidents of all U.S. Catholic colleges and universities on December 17, 2003, urging them to investigate and halt planned performances announced by V-Day. The Society also has called on its members and other concerned Catholics to contact college presidents where productions are planned. A sample letter and campaign updates are posted on the Society’s website at www.cardinalnewmansociety.org.
Cardinal Newman Society opposes all campus productions of “The Vagina Monologues,” regardless of whether they are formally approved or funded by the college or university. The Society also opposes off-campus performances by official student clubs.
Although most of the productions are organized by students, several are sponsored or co-sponsored by faculty in a wide range of academic departments including Communications, English, Political Science, Social Work, Theater and Women’s Studies. At Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, the play is co-sponsored by Campus Ministry. Student attendance at the performance at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, is counted toward “merit points” used to assign campus housing the following year.
But often faculty and students are divided over the controversial productions. Writing in the University of Notre Dame campus newspaper, The Observer, Law Professor emeritus Charles Rice called on “all the responsible administrators, from the top down, [to] resign their administrative positions.” Students and staff from Notre Dame’s campus ministries and pro-life club were in prayerful protest on Saturday, when the play was performed on campus. Students also protested the performance at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles last Thursday.
At least one bishop has criticized the performances. Bishop John D’Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, wrote in a public statement published in the diocesan newspaper: “‘The Vagina Monologues’ is offensive to women; it is antithetical to Catholic teaching on the beautiful gift of human sexuality and also to the teachings of the Church on the human body relative to its purpose and to its status as a temple of the Holy Spirit. …The consistency which one looks for, and so often finds at [the University of] Notre Dame, is sorely missing in the decision to present this play.”
All campus performances raise funds for organizations that fight violence against women—a worthy cause, except when recipient organizations also oppose Catholic teaching by advocating abortion. One beneficiary of the events last Friday and Saturday at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York, was Planned Parenthood. Although the funds were intended for Planned Parenthood’s rape crisis center, the organization is the largest abortion provider in the U.S. The John Carroll University event will support the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, which advocates abortion rights as a member organization of the Freedom of Choice Cleveland Coalition.
[ Planned “Monologues” productions on Catholic campuses ]
[ Text of 12/15/03 letter from Cardinal Newman Society to Catholic college presidents ]
[ Sample letter to Catholic college presidents ]
[ Reclaim Saint Valentine’s Day Campaign ]
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Planned “Monologues” Productions on Catholic Campuses
Productions of the “Vagina Monologues” are planned beginning February 2004 at the following Catholic colleges and universities, according to the sponsoring organization V-Day. V-Day licenses the play to college students and faculty for presentation during the months surrounding Saint Valentine’s Day (February 14).
We have attempted to confirm these events with college and university presidents and the student and faculty organizers. The following sites were announced by V-Day, but Cardinal Newman Society has been unable to independently verify these performances: Carlow College (PA), College of Santa Fe (NM), St. Mary’s College (IN), Siena College (NY).
CAUTION: A listing by V-Day generally indicates that a college student or faculty member has requested permission to produce “Vagina Monologues” and has made plans for a production in 2004. It does not necessarily indicate whether college officials are aware of a planned performance and have given their formal approval—which may or may not be required, depending on rules specific to each college and university. Nevertheless, the V-Day list is the most accurate information available in advance of the actual events. Last year’s attempts to confirm planned performances through college presidents were problematic: several presidents denied that productions were planned for their campuses, when in fact they were being organized by students and/or faculty.
Cardinal Newman Society will list planned performances that are associated with Catholic colleges and universities even when administrators claim no official support for the events. On-campus productions should not be allowed even when they are not formally approved or funded by the college or university administration, and off-campus performances that are sponsored by student clubs or that are otherwise identified with the college or university are also inappropriate. A Catholic college or university should not host or sponsor this play—with sponsorship meaning any use of a college’s or university’s funds, facilities, or name. Organizers of such events should be denied opportunities to promote the play to students and faculty.
We have contacted all Catholic college presidents and asked them to investigate whether performances are planned. Few of the presidents responded. Cardinal Newman Society will post changes to the list as new information becomes available. Please notify Cardinal Newman Society at info@cardinalnewmansociety.org of any updates.
Details of each planned production, including the names of “Monologues” organizers, are posted at www.vday.org. On the V-Action page, click on “find a v-event near you”, then go to the link to search for planned events.
Planned “Vagina Monologues” Sites
Source: V-Day organization as of 2/16/04.
Bellarmine University (KY)
Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, President
2001 Newburg Rd., Louisville, KY 40205
Phone: (502) 452-8000
E-mail: jmcgowan@bellarmine.edu
According to V-Day, scheduled for Feb. 20, 21, 22; sponsored by English Department. Confirmed by Student Activities office.
Boston College (MA)
Rev. William Leahy, S.J., President
18 Old Colony Rd., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Phone: (617) 552-8000
E-Mail: William.leahy.1@bc.edu
Student Development office has confirmed plans; scheduled for Feb. 19, 20, 21.
Carlow College (PA)
Sr. Grace Ann Geibel, RSM, President
3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 578-6123
According to V-Day, scheduled for April 21, 22.
Carroll College (MT)
Student organizer has confirmed that plans have been canceled.
Catholic University of America (DC)
Student organizer has confirmed that plans have been canceled. President says "Vagina Monologues" not welcome at CUA.
College of the Holy Cross (MA)
Rev. Michael McFarland, S.J., President
1 College St., Worcester, MA 01610
Phone: (508) 793-2011
E-mail: mmcfarla@holycross.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 10, 11. Confirmed by Public Affairs office; sponsored by Women's Forum.
College of St. Rose (NY)
Dr. R. Mark Sullivan, President
432 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203
Phone: (518) 454-5121
According to event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 17. Confirmed by Media Relations office.
College of Santa Fe (NM)
Dr. Linda N. Hanson, President
1600 St. Michael’s Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 473-6234
E-mail: president@csf.edu
DePaul University (IL) – Main Campus (Chicago) & Barat Campus (Lake Forest)
Rev. John P. Minogue, C.M., President
1 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 362-8000
E-mail: jminogue@depaul.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 22 on main campus; sponsored by Women's Studies Department. Promoted on Women's and Gender Studies Program website. Confirmed by Media Relations office. V-Day listing for Barat campus removed after announcement that DePaul was closing the campus.
Dominican University (CA)
Dr. Joseph R. Fink, President
50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: (415) 485-3200
E-mail: jrf@dominican.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 20, 21. Promoted on university calendar on website. According to university's "This Week" newsletter, "Vagina Monologues" documentary to be shown on Feb. 8, and students to perform portions of "Monologues" off-campus on Feb. 16 for V-Day Benefit Dinner.
Edgewood College (WI)
Dr. James A. Ebben, President
1000 Edgewood College Dr., Madison, WI 53711
Phone: (608) 663-2262
E-mail: ebben@edgewood.edu
According to V-Day, scheduled for March 2. Confirmed by event organizer and public relations office.
Emmanuel College (MA)
Office of Government, Community and Public Relations has confirmed that student plans for a performance this year were canceled "following conversations with our Dean of Students." But "it is possible that it will be produced in the future."
Fordham University (NY) - Lincoln Center Campus & Rose Hill Campus
Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., President
441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: (718) 817-3000
E-mail (c/o executive secretary): lmccormick@fordham.edu
Student Activities office at Rose Hill has confirmed event sponsored by theater group, but dates uncertain. Event organizer at Lincoln Center has confirmed plans. Student Activities office at Lincoln Center has confirmed event sponsored by Isis (feminist student club), but dates uncertain.
Georgetown University (DC) – Main Campus & Law Center
Dr. John DeGioia, President
37th & O Sts. NW, Washington, DC 20057
Phone: (202) 687-4134
E-mail: president@georgetown.edu
According to V-Day, main campus event scheduled for Feb. 27, 28. Center for Student Programs confirmed campus facilities are reserved for those dates. According to V-Day and event organizer at Law Center, scheduled for March 18, 19. Promoted on Law School calendar on website.
Holy Names College (CA)
Campus Services office has confirmed that event will not occur.
John Carroll University (OH)
Rev. Edward Glynn, S.J., President
20700 N. Park Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118
Phone: (216) 397-1886
E-mail: eglynn@jcu.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 13, 14, 15; sponsored by Communications Department. The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, recipient of funds raised, is a member organization of the pro-abortion Freedom of Choice Cleveland Coalition.
Loyola College (MD)
Rev. Harold Ridley, S.J., President
4501 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21210
Phone: (410) 617-2201
E-mail: vweller@loyola.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for March 10, 11. V-Day lists several sponsors: Loyola College Women's Center, Office of Leadership and New Student Programs, Center for Values and Service, CARE (student peer education group sponsored by Counseling Center), Student Government Association, SPECTRUM (student club - "Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allied Awareness and Support Group"), Loyola College Democrats. Confirmed by Public Relations office.
Loyola Marymount University (CA)
Rev. Robert B. Lawton, S.J., President
1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: (310) 338-2775
E-mail: rlawton@lmu.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 12, 13, 14; sponsored by Del Rey Players (student theater group). Janis Johnson, Assistant Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs, has confirmed event. Johnson responded to a protester: "We believe that universities such as LMU, which take social justice seriously, are the ideal environment in which to tackle complex issues such as discrimination and violence against women. Artistic expression often reveals uncomfortable topics as a means of exploring deeper questions and values."
Loyola University of Chicago (IL) – University (Chicago), Stritch School of Medicine (Chicago), Rome Center (Italy)
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., President
6526 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60626
Phone: (312) 915-6400
E-mail: mgaranz@luc.edu
V-Day listing of Stritch School of Medicine has been removed for unknown reasons. According to V-Day and event organizer at main university, scheduled for Feb. 24, 26; sponsored by Women's Studies Department and Gannon Scholars Leadership Program (four-year program for female students sponsored by university's Center for Women and Leadership). According to V-Day, Rome Center event scheduled for Feb. 13. Father Michael Garanzini, S.J., President has responded to a protester: "The play, Vagina Monologues, is sponsored by several different departments and they use sections from it to introduce topics for reflection. It obviously resonates with the experience of many women today. Promoting homosexuality is not an aim of the play. Besides, one IS homosexual or not, just as one is Caucasian or not. No one is induced or talked into it."
Loyola University New Orleans (LA)
The Associated Press has reported on January 24 that the university prevented a student from presenting the play. Kristine Lelong, Director of Loyola's Office of Public Affairs, has confirmed: "...[A]s far as I am aware, there will be no public production of the Vagina Monologues." But the event organizer indicates that plans continue. We are seeking additional details from Public Affairs.
Marymount Manhattan College (NY)
Dr. Judson R. Shaver, President
221 E. 71st St., New York, NY 10021
Phone: 517-0560
E-mail: jshaver@mmm.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 14, 15. Confirmed by Institutional Advancement office.
Mount St. Mary's College (CA)
V-Day has removed the college from its list; reason unknown.
Nazareth College (NY)
Dr. Robert A. Miller, President
4245 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (585) 389-2000
E-mail: ramiller@naz.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 12, 13, 14. Nazareth College issued a press release dated Jan. 22 touting the event and listing sponsors: Nazareth Department of Theatre Arts, Nazareth Theatre League, Campus Ministry, Undergraduate Association of Nazareth College, Sodexho USA, Rochester Woman Magazine. The event has been promoted on Nazareth's Campus Ministry website.
Providence College (RI)
Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P., President
549 River Ave., Providence, RI 02918
Phone: (401) 865-1000
E-mail: emyers@providence.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 17, 18; sponsored by Political Science Department. The event has been promoted on Providence College's Women's Studies website. According to article in The Cowl, campus newspaper, performance is backed by Political Science, Social Science, Sociology, Social Work, American Studies departments. The college administration has opposed the play as contrary to "the 'intellectual, social, moral and spiritual values' proclaimed in the [college's] Mission Statement and is at odds with the ideals and values embodied in the Catholic tradition." The performance may not use college funds and may not be performed in facilities overseen by Student Services. But the play goes on under the shield of academic freedom.
Regis College (MA)
Dr. Mary Jane England, President
208 College Hall, 235 Wellesley St., Weston, MA 02394
Phone: (781) 768-7120
E-mail (c/o secretary): phyllis.porrell@regiscollege.edu
Fine Arts has confirmed performances were held Feb. 7, 8. Barbara Clancy, Director of Alumnae Relations, has responded to a protester: " The production of the play you are concerned about 'Vagina Monologues' is not Regis College sponsored. Nor is it part of any program in the Theater Department. A small group of students over the age of eighteen has independently chosen to produce a dramatic reading of this text."
St. Ambrose University (IA)
University president has informed Cardinal Newman Society that the university denied the student organizer permission to present the play and it will not occur. The university's action appears to have occurred prior to protests.
St. John Fisher College (NY)
Dr. Katherine E. Keough, President
3690 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (585) 385-8010
E-mail: keough@sjfc.edu
According to community calendar on websites of WROC-TV News 8 Rochester and WHEC-TV NBC 10 Rochester, event scheduled for Feb. 6, 7. One of the recipients of funds raised was Planned Parenthood Rape Crisis Center.
St. John’s University (NY)
Student organizer claims she sought university approval and was denied in September or October 2003; plans for production are canceled. University president has told a protester that no request for approval was made; if it were, the request would be denied.
St. Joseph College (CT)
Dr. Winifred E. Coleman, President
1678 Asylum Ave., W. Hartford, CT 06117
Phone: (860) 232-4571
E-mail: wcoleman@sjc.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 19, 20, 22. Confirmed by College Relations office; sponsored by Women's Awareness and Action Coalition.
St. Joseph’s College (IN)
College ruled: "Vagina monologues would not be appropriate for our campus"; students confirm no planned production.
St. Louis University (MO)
Rev. Lawrence Biondi, S.J., President
221 North Grand Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 977-7777
E-mail: biondi@slu.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 13, 14, 15; sponsored by College of Arts and Sciences, School of Social Work, Women's Studies Program, Women's Commission (president's advisory commission on status of women), Una (feminist student club). Event promoted on Women's Studies website. Confirmed by Marketing and Communications office.
St. Mary’s College (CA)
Bro. Craig Joseph Franz, C.S.C., President
P.O. Box 3005, Moraga, CA 94575
Phone: (925) 631-4203
E-mail: cfranz@stmarys-ca.edu
According to V-Day, scheduled for Feb. 13; sponsored by Women's Resource Center. Promoted on college events calendar on website. Bro. Craig Franz, C.S.C., President, has responded to a protester: "While I might not have chosen this play to spur conversation on campus regarding women's rights, I respect the academic freedom of our Women's Studies program to select this play."
St. Mary’s College (IN)
Dr. Marilou Eldred, President
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone: (574) 284-4000
E-mail: eldred@saintmarys.edu
Listed on V-Day site, but public relations office says not officially sponsored and has no knowledge of any student-led production.
St. Norbert College (WI)
V-Day has removed the college from its list; reason unknown.
Seattle University (WA)
Rev. Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J., President
900 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 296-1891
E-mail: lesleyl@seattleu.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 13, 14, 15. Sponsors include Society of Young Feminists (student club), Women's Studies Department, Wismer Center (university center for "advocacy for the educational needs of women and of members of diverse communities"). Event is promoted on university website as an "Academic Salon", a university program to encourage student discussion of various topics. Promoted on university calendar on website.
Seton Hill University (PA)
Dr. JoAnne Boyle, President
Seton Hill Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 838-4211
E-mail: boyle@setonhill.edu
According to V-Day, scheduled for March 2; sponsored by Women's Study Department, Amnesty International Seton Hill University Chapter (student club), Feminist Collective. Confirmed by Institutional Relations Office.
Siena College (NY)
Rev. Kevin Mackin, OFM, President
515 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211
Phone: (518) 783-2300
According to V-Day, scheduled for March 11, 12.
Stonehill College (MA)
Rev. Mark T. Cregan, CSC, President
320 Washington St., Easton, MA 02357
Phone: (508) 565-1000
E-mail: presidentcregan@stonehill.edu
Dates on V-Day list are incorrect (Feb. 19, 20, 21). According to website for Stonehill College Residential Life, scheduled for Feb. 18, 19, 20; confirmed by Communications office. Attendance at the event counts toward "merit points", which Residential Life considers when assigning campus housing.
University of Dayton (OH)
Dr. Daniel J. Curran, President
300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469
Phone: (937) 229-1000
E-mail: daniel.curran@notes.udayton.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 13, 14, 15; sponsored by Students Advocating Female Equality. The event is promoted on the university website for Sears Recital Hall reservations.
University of Detroit Mercy (MI)
Removed from V-Day website; reason unknown.
University of Notre Dame (IN)
Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., President
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone: (574) 631-3903
E-mail: malloy.5@nd.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 14; sponsored by Program in Gender Studies, Department of Film, Television and Theatre, Department of English, CORE Course Program, Women's Resource Center, CARE, Amnesty International, Breen Phillips Hall. The event is promoted on the Gender Studies website. Nathan Hatch, Provost, has responded to a protester: "The performances are being co-sponsored by the Gender Studies Department and several other campus organizations. As an offering by an academic department (Gender Studies) we respect their right to present this material." In a Jan. 29 commentary in the campus newspaper The Observer, Law Prof. Charles Rice writes: "I hope that our leaders will reconsider this failure of judgment and will cancel this third performance. If not, all the responsible administrators, from the top down, should resign their administrative positions. If they do not resign, they should be removed. Baseball has it right: Three strikes and you're out."
University of Portland (OR)
The V-Day listing has changed from "University of Portland" to "Students of North Portland, Oregon" with the venue listed as Roosevelt High School. The organizer remains the same. The university's Public Relations Office has confirmed that the university has banned the event from campus, will not allow campus publicity, and is not connected to the event.
University of St. Francis (IL)
President's office has told Cardinal Newman Society that the university denied permission for the play when requested by the student organizer. "The decision was based upon a belief that 'The Vagina Monologues' is not appropriate for the University of St. Francis."
University of San Francisco (CA)
Rev. Stephen A. Privett, S.J., President
2130 Fulton St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 422-6762
E-mail: privet@usfca.edu
According to V-Day and event organizer, scheduled for Feb. 13, 14, 15. Promoted on university calendar on website.
Wheeling Jesuit University (WV)
Father Joseph Hacala, SJ, has responded to Cardinal Newman Society: "Wheeling Jesuit University is not sponsoring, producing, or presenting this event. ...We have not given, nor do we intend to give, approval for such an event."
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Text of 12/17/03 letter from Cardinal Newman Society
to Catholic college presidents
MEMORANDUM
TO: Presidents of U.S. Catholic Colleges & Universities
FROM: Patrick J. Reilly
President, Cardinal Newman Society
DATE: December 17, 2003
RE: “Vagina Monologues” at Catholic Colleges
_________________________________________________________________
In each of the past few years, a number of Catholic colleges and universities have hosted and/or sponsored productions of the vulgar play, “Vagina Monologues”. Last spring, 32 Catholic colleges hosted or sponsored the production, and planned performances were canceled at another 14 colleges. In the spring of 2004, productions are reportedly planned in connection with at least 41 Catholic colleges and universities.
The play is a collection of monologues by women describing their personal stories, replete with vulgarity, frequent use of “vagina” to represent women and femininity, and explicit discussions of sexuality and sexual encounters including lesbian activity and masturbation. In one scene, a woman describes her seduction by a lesbian woman when she was 16 years old, declaring it her “salvation” and an important coming-of-age experience. The older woman leads the girl into sex by serving her alcohol and abusing her authority as an elder.
Cardinal Newman Society sees no valid reason for these productions. Although they are usually part of an effort to raise funds and bring attention to the problem of violence against women, the play itself does not contribute to a healthy image of women and could easily be substituted with a more appropriate event. Only the most radical notion of academic freedom favors the alleged rights of students, faculty or staff to produce the play in contradiction to the Catholic mission and values of the college or university. Even when presented with companion programs to discuss the play and give it some academic weight, the play itself is not an academic exercise and is a poor choice of entertainment.
As a Catholic, I am especially appalled and embarrassed that any Catholic institution would present this play in the wake of the priest sex-abuse scandals. The scene declaring the lesbian rape of a girl her “salvation” is horrific and contrary to everything a Catholic college or university stands for. By what logic is it appropriate to condemn the terrible actions of some priests, even while Catholic institutions glorify homosexual abuse of teenagers on the stage? Whether the perpetrator is portrayed as a lesbian woman or a gay priest, it is equally disrespectful to the victims of abuse when this crime is declared “salvation”.
Below is the list of 41 Catholic colleges and universities where “Vagina Monologues” performances are planned, according to the sponsoring organization V-Day. We are aware that there was at least one mistake in V-Day’s list last year, and a listing does not necessarily indicate whether college officials are aware of a planned performance and have given their formal approval. On the other hand, last year several college presidents denied that productions were planned for their campuses, when in fact they were being organized by students and/or faculty. Given the inability of many college presidents to accurately confirm or deny planned performances, the V-Day list is the most accurate information available in advance of the actual events.
If your institution is listed below, you can find details including the names of organizers at www.vday.org. Please look into this, and notify me immediately of any changes to the list.
Whether or not your institution is listed below, Cardinal Newman Society urges you to be on alert for students or faculty who may be planning “Vagina Monologues” productions and immediately cancel them. On-campus productions should not be allowed even when they are not formally approved or funded by the college or university administration, and off-campus performances that are sponsored by student clubs or that are otherwise identified with the college or university should also be canceled. Please clearly explain that your college or university will not host or sponsor this play—with sponsorship meaning any use of a college’s or university’s funds, facilities, or name. Organizers of such events should be denied opportunities to promote the play to students and faculty.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (703) 367-0333 with any questions. Thank you for considering these requests and for your leadership in Catholic higher education. May God bless you!
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Sample letter to Catholic college presidents
Cardinal Newman Society encourages letters to the presidents of Catholic colleges and universities on V-Day’s list—whether by mail or e-mail—urging them to halt the planned productions. Letters should be respectful, keeping in mind the possibility that the V-Day list may be incorrect or that presidents may not be aware of the productions on their own campuses. For presidents’ contact information, click here.
A sample letter is below, to be copied verbatim or used as a model for your own letter.
Letters to the editor and op-ed articles in college and local newspapers are also very helpful. Although secular media won’t appreciate your concerns about Catholic identity, they should be especially attentive to concerns about glorifying sexual abuse. Contact reporters and encourage them to cover this travesty.
--------------------------------------------
Dear President:
It has come to my attention that the V-Day organization lists your college [university] as presenting the vulgar play, “Vagina Monologues”, in the coming weeks.
The play is a collection of monologues by women describing their personal stories, replete with vulgarity, frequent use of “vagina” to represent women and femininity, and explicit discussions of sexuality and sexual encounters including lesbian activity and masturbation. In one scene, a woman describes her seduction by a lesbian woman when she was 16 years old, declaring it her “salvation” and an important coming-of-age experience. The older woman leads the girl into sex by serving her alcohol and abusing her authority as an elder.
No Catholic college or university should be associated with “Monologues”. It promotes an unhealthy image of women and is a poor choice of entertainment. I am especially appalled that any Catholic institution would present this play—including the scene declaring the lesbian rape of a girl her “salvation”—in the wake of the priest sex-abuse scandals.
Please go to www.vday.org to find V-Day’s report of your college [university] presentation, including the names of organizers. Please look into this, and if the V-Day listing is accurate, please cancel any planned production.
I urge you to stop any on-campus production, even if it is not formally approved or funded by your administration, and any off-campus performance that is sponsored by a student club or that is otherwise identified with the your institution. Please clearly explain to students that your institution will not host or sponsor this play—with sponsorship meaning any use of the institution’s funds, facilities, or name. Organizers of such events should be denied opportunities to promote the play to students and faculty.
Please respond to me as soon as possible with updated information on this situation. Thank you for sharing my concern about this play and for your leadership in Catholic higher education!
Sincerely yours,
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