Our Catholic Mission TRUTH AND FIDELITY IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION WINTER 2021

GETTING IT RIGHT: SEXUALITY IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Working with nontraditional families

Moral expectations for teachers

Gender in school and college athletics PRESIDENT’S NOTE Welcome to the New

For more than 27 years, ‘Our Catholic Mission’ The has worked to I hope that you are having a blessed start to 2021! tion amid the COVID-19 crisis. Last spring, promote and defend schools and colleges were rushed into a “dis- faithful Catholic With this issue you may be receiving Our tance learning” model. You may be interested Catholic Mission, a newsletter of The Cardinal in the Newman Society’s recommendations education. Newman Society, for the first time. Welcome! for faithful distance learning, available on our We have expanded circulation to include many website. more Catholic school superintendents, prin- cipals, college leaders, and other educators. I In the fall, many Catholic schools and colleges hope that you find it helpful to your important went to great lengths to return to in-person Did you know: work. learning while following health restrictions. In hard times, Catholics shine—and that has cer- Over the last several years, the Newman So- tainly been true for Catholic educators! • more than 900 schools and ciety has been able to develop and publish a quarter million students are many resources for Catholic educators—and I hope that in reading this issue and the other more are on the way from our Catholic Identity resources we provide Catholic educators on using our faithful Catholic Standards Project. We cover every topic that is our website, you will find inspiration for your important to Catholic education, from mission important work in Catholic education, whether Curriculum Standards, statements to athletics and curriculum. At the as a leader, teacher or partner in the Newman end of the day, we want to help Catholic edu- Society’s mission. cators strengthen Catholic identity in every • more than 75,000 parents and aspect of their programs and operations. Despite the challenges we face today, let us not lose focus on what is most important in Catho- students will use our Newman In this issue of Our Catholic Mission, we focus lic education. Catholic educators prepare stu- Guide in their college search on the importance of clear and consistent hu- dents for this life and for the life to come. man sexuality policies. Why this highly sensi- this year, and tive topic, and why now? If you have any feedback or comments on this newsletter, we would love to hear from you by On the next page, we begin to answer those email at Programs@CardinalNewmanSoci- • many diocesan superintendents, questions. The bottom line is that Catholic ety.org or via our website at NewmanSociety. schools need to provide faithful education org. principals, teachers, and while protecting against strong social pres- sures to compromise the faith and against legal May God bless you and your students as we be- college administrators rely threats. Believe me, I would like nothing less gin a new year with hope and fidelity! than to focus our work on other issues, but this on the Newman Society to help is where the danger lies for Catholic education. Sincerely yours in Christ, develop the policies they need The value of the Newman Society’s work is in our thoughtful, faithful and sensitive approach to make Catholic education to issues that matter most to Catholic educa- tors—including the first and primary educa- tors, parents—who are working to strengthen strong and faithful! Catholic identity. PATRICK REILLY President and Founder In the meantime, we are well aware of the se- The Cardinal Newman Society The Cardinal Newman Society rious challenges of navigating Catholic educa- P.O. Box 1879, Merrifield, Virginia 22116 (703) 367-0333

02 NewmanSociety.org • Winter 2021 NEWMAN SOCIETY EDITORIAL A Call to Teach Uncomfortable Truths (and a Helping Hand)

hree decades ago, Saint John Paul “employer who fires an individual merely for strategy of laying low and downplaying Catholic II urged Catholic educators to embrace being gay or transgender violates Title VII,” identity. Lawyers who are experts on religious and defend a true “Christian anthro- the federal law banning employment discrim- freedom have cautioned against this strategy pology,” even as the Church faced ination. How does a Catholic school or college because it ultimately only serves to weaken a Tgrowing challenges to its teaching on sexual make employment decisions that are faithful to religious freedom defense when the institution’s morality, gender identity and marriage. its mission? insincerity and inconsistency are exposed.

“If need be,” he wrote in Ex corde Ecclesiae, “a There may be several legal opportunities for A Catholic school must put into writing the Catholic university must have the courage to a Catholic school or college to protect its reli- school’s Catholic beliefs, especially those that are speak uncomfortable truths which do not please gious freedom. There are religious exemptions likely to be challenged, and clearly identify au- public opinion, but which are necessary to safe- in Title VII and Title IX that could potentially thoritative sources of the school’s beliefs, such as guard the authentic good of society.” be helpful, and the “ministerial exception” may the Catechism of the . Policies cover at least some employees. There is recourse should be clear, consistent, and truthful across the The courage to teach and witness to the truth is to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and board, and then implemented with charity. no less important to elementary and secondary the First Amendment. schools, because the truths of the human person Catholic educators who love are foundational to Catholic education. Still, it seems their students, faculty, staff that almost ev- and community are called “Far from undermining the tolerance of legiti- ery week brings CONFUSION AND to share the Truth—espe-

mate diversity, such a contribution illuminates another activ- “ cially now, when the truth the very truth which makes consensus attain- ist, lawmaker or UNCERTAINTY DO NOT about human sexuality is so able, and helps to keep public debate rational, ruling accusing often distorted in society. honest and accountable,” said Pope Benedict Catholic educa- IMPROVE THE POSITION“ To get education right, we XVI in his 2008 address to school and college tors of discrimi- must teach and witness to the leaders. nation and violat- OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS truth about human nature ing the dictates of AND COLLEGES. and freedom. No Catholic educator, focused on student for- gender ideology. mation and institutional needs, is eager to face Christian beliefs The Cardinal Newman Soci- the uncompromising activism and personal about the human ety has been working to help struggles of those who are in conflict with the person, which were widely embraced for thou- Catholic educators consider how Church teach- Church’s teaching on sexuality and gender. It sands of years, are no longer widely held in our ing impacts school and college policies. Our must be done compassionately and rational- secular society. We have seen alumni attacking resources recommend standards to help Cath- ly—and even so, controversy can erupt at any Catholic schools and colleges in social media, olic school superintendents, principals, college moment. attracting news reporters and quickly bringing presidents and other educators develop clear a firestorm of pressure on the Catholic school and consistent policies that uphold the Catholic Nevertheless, Catholic educators have no choice to alter its course. Is every diocese, school and understanding of the human person—including but to embrace and implement authentic human college prepared for this? personnel policies, admissions policies, athlet- sexuality policies in our schools and colleges. ics policies and more. It is not only right, but it is necessary, given the The key defense is to get human sexuality pol- serious legal threats to religious freedom and icies in order, now. Many institutions have al- Catholic educators have an ally in the Newman accusations that Catholic education is bigoted ready made great progress in this important Society, which fully appreciates the difficulty of and unjust. Confusion and uncertainty do not work. addressing real situations concerning human improve the position of Catholic schools and sexuality with pastoral concern and charity, while colleges. Catholic educators must firmly ground all poli- being upfront and truthful about what is necessary cies in Catholic teaching and explain in writing to faithful Catholic education. OCM Last summer, the Supreme Court issued a why policies are necessary according to reli- landmark and potentially devastating ruling in gious beliefs. Many Catholic education leaders, Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, that an however, have seemingly embraced the opposite Winter 2021 • NewmanSociety.org 03 Getting it Right Witness and Teaching on Sexuality in Catholic

Education n 2019, the Vatican’s Congregation for be motivated by bigotry or arbitrary decisions Catholic Education released Male and instead of clear and compassionate Catholic Female He Created Them, a response to teachings. the contemporary “gender ideology” that has sown confusion in American society Consider for example the conflict in Kansas and even within Catholic education. City a couple years ago, when the Archdiocese I turned away a kindergarten student parented The document is important for its forthright by a same-sex couple. What principles should acknowledgment of topics—including homo- guide admission to Catholic education? Does a sexuality and gender identification—of growing Catholic school or college accept a child strug- concern to Catholic families, schools and col- gling with gender confusion? leges. But despite the Congregation’s expressed hope that the document will be a “practical” re- How should a Catholic school or college respond source to Catholic educators, it offers minimal when a teacher or professor announces a same- guidance to help navigate the complexities of sex marriage or declares a new gender identity? real situations with students and employees who In athletics, should students be able to use locker struggle with sexuality and chastity, especially rooms or compete on teams of the opposite sex? if they openly dissent from Catholic teaching or act in ways that are scandalous to students. At the Newman Society, we have heard from well-intentioned educators who refuse to articu- Increasingly, Catholic dioceses, schools and col- late their policies, instead leaving each situation leges are embroiled in controversy and conflict to their own discretion. That approach, while over sexual matters. To prevent such problems, understandable, can often lead to disaster for the these situations require pastoral sensitivity and school or college. Clear standards of policy and the guidance of clear institutional policies that practice, consistent with traditional Catholic both uphold and explain the obligations of faith- moral and theological norms, are key to ensuring ful Catholic education. fidelity, compassion and justice.

This is one important contribution of The Car- Principles of human sexuality dinal Newman Society: helping Catholic educa- in Catholic education tors identify the principles of Catholic teaching and standards of policy and practice to strength- Our Catholic Identity Standards Project re- en faithful Catholic identity. Moreover, our cently published “Policy Standards on Human work helps protect Catholic education by giving Sexuality in Catholic Education,” updated from schools and colleges compelling claims to reli- a 2016 paper that was one of our most popular gious freedom, based on clear and consistently resources for educators. The updated guidance implemented policies that are tied directly to is available at the Newman Society website. their Catholic mission. It looks broadly at Catholic teachings on sex, Catholic educators cannot get human sexuality gender, chastity and marriage, drawing on wrong. Not only would that be a tragic failure of magisterial teaching to identify key principles Catholic education, which strives to form young for Catholic education and then recommending people in faith, morality and truth, but it also in- standards to guide policymaking at Catholic vites lawsuits and increased threats to religious schools and colleges. It also briefly considers the freedom if Catholic educators are perceived to large variety of policies that should be developed 04 NewmanSociety.org • Winter 2021 to uphold Catholic teaching on sexuality, pro- Implementing human sexuality policies birth and maintain appropriate distinctions be- vides sample policies from several U.S. dioceses, tween males and females, especially in issues of and includes citations from Vatican documents. From these principles, the Newman Society rec- facilities use, athletic teams, uniforms, and no- ommends several important standards to guide menclature; and Among the principles guiding Catholic educa- policymaking related to human sexuality. Cath- tion policies is the mission to provide integral olic education should, for instance: • prohibit advocacy of moral behavior at odds formation of students so that the intellect and with Catholic teaching and activities that tend conscience work together to ensure true bodi- • expect all members of the Catholic educational to encourage immoral behavior, especially on ly health and integrity. Catholic education is so community to strive for a life of chastity in keep- issues related to chastity. much bigger and so much more important than ing with their particular state of life, emphasiz- just teaching students academic subjects. It re- ing the importance of These standards can spects each student as a “complex and multifac- chastity to a life of virtue be applied to nearly ev- eted being, striving for full human flourishing in and growth in one’s rela- ery aspect of a Catholic their physical, moral, spiritual, psychological, tionship with God; CATHOLIC EDUCATION school or college. For social, and intellectual faculties.” example, dance poli- • provide clear institu- “SHOULD HELP EVERY cies, consistent with In society today, a disjointed view of the hu- tional supports for liv- the goal to form vir- man person can sometimes influence Catholic ing chastely, such as sin- STUDENT GROW tuous and Christ-cen- educators. But as Catholics, we know that our gle-sex dorms and rules tered persons, should uniquely human biological, social and spiritual regarding clothing and IN VIRTUE AND require students to elements are connected and should be devel- behavior to establish “ refrain from any im- oped in relation to each other. standards and minimize ‘FAITHFULLY FULFILL HIS modest, impure or temptation; ROLE IN BUILDING THE sexually suggestive In addition, Catholic education is “founded behavior both on and upon a sound Christian anthropology, which • ensure that all human KINGDOM OF GOD.’ off the dance floor. describes the human person as ‘a being at once sexuality materials and College residence poli- corporeal and spiritual,’ made in the image of instruction are carefully cies should ensure that God, with complementarity and equality of the vetted for complete fi- students are assigned sexes as male and female.” Biological sex and delity to Church teachings, taught by qualified housing based on their biological sex, are prohib- gender cannot be separated, but should be “seen and committed Catholics, modest and pure, tar- ited from engaging in immoral sexual activity, and in harmony, according to God’s plan.” geted to the appropriate age and developmental preserve the privacy of bedrooms from opposite-sex stage of the student with respect for a child’s visitors. Finally, Catholic education should help every latency period (lasting up until puberty), and student grow in virtue and “faithfully fulfill his available in advance to parents who may choose It is crucial for a Catholic school to consider role in building the Kingdom of God.” Catholic to opt a minor student out of the program; every activity of Catholic education and ensure schools and colleges should be encouraging all that it upholds Catholic teaching. Students community members to strive for chastity, ac- • ensure that all speakers, vendors, third-party should know God’s beautiful purpose for sex- cording to their vocation as single, married or services, and materials are in harmony with the uality and their calling to chastity. Truth is the religious. Catholic moral formation of students; foundation of Catholic education, and as our updated paper warns, “Educational programs • relate to all members of the school or college or policies that promote a false understanding community according to their biological sex at of the human person put the whole educational project at risk.” OCM Specific Areas and Types of Policies Catholic education policies related to human sexuality are needed across many areas of a school or college’s operations. The Newman Society is working on specific policy guidance for each of these activities and topics. Admissions Policies Formal Titles and Names Policies Sexual Harassment Policies

Athletics Policies Health Services, Counseling, Sexual Identity Policies and Programs Policies Bullying Policies Single-Sex Program Policies Housing Services Policies Chastity Policies Speaker Policies Instructional Material Policies Dance Policies Student Clubs Policies Mission Integrity Dress Code/Uniform Policies Student Pregnancy Policies Nondiscrimination Policies Employment and Volunteer Policies Third-Party Vendor Policies (see page 6 of this newsletter) Public Displays of Affection Policies

Facilities Use Policies Same-Sex Attraction Policies Winter 2021 • NewmanSociety.org 05 Moral Witness at the Heart of Catholic Education

Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that the “ministerial exception” applies to certain Catholic school teachers, a ruling hailed as protecting Catholic schools and colleges that uphold moral standards for employees.

While the ruling addresses serious questions of religious freedom, it also raises issues that many dioceses, schools and colleges have been wrestling with for several years: What moral standards should be expected of employees in Catho- lic education? The Church has repeatedly called on teachers to witness to the faith in both word and deed. But what about non-teaching employees?

Underlying these concerns is the necessity of ensuring that all employees faithfully serve the mission of Catholic educa- tion. Clear and consistent contracts and policies are the best means of upholding Catholic identity while avoiding employ- ee disputes and lawsuits. Ministerial exception

As explained in the Newman Society’s summary of the Su- preme Court’s ruling in Our Lady of Guadalupe School (available at our website), the Court explicitly forbade federal courts from interfering in Catholic school employment de- cisions concerning teachers of religion, because that would constitute a violate of the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause.

The Court also signaled that the ministerial exception covers other employees with substantial religious duties, but more PHOTO MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES/BIGSTOCK.COM BY 06 NewmanSociety.org • Winter 2021 litigation will be needed to determine how the All Employees Matter Many non-teaching employees, too, have forma- exception applies to teachers of subjects other tional duties that are essential to Catholic edu- than religion, clerical and maintenance staff, and Moral standards at most schools and colleges fo- cation. These include coaches, counselors and higher education employees. cus especially on teachers and professors, which others who are involved with student activities. is understandable. Many Church documents They work closely with students and should be Already lower courts are testing and even chal- highlight the duty of teachers to be witnesses to held to the same high moral standards. lenging the ministerial exception. A panel of the faith. They have a primary role in Catholic judges for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals education and direct influence over their stu- What, then, of the receptionist and the librarian? determined that the exception only prevents dents. Or the nurse? Or maintenance staff? lawsuits concerning hiring and firing decisions, so it allowed a former employee of a Chicago Moral standards should apply to educators in Such positions are often viewed as having pri- parish—fired because he entered into a same- every subject area, not just religion teachers or mary secular functions and therefore not ac- sex union—to proceed with a lawsuit claiming a theology professors. This is true especially in countable to Catholic moral standards beyond “hostile work environment.” elementary and secondary education, when im- the ethics of their particular tasks. Lawsuits pressionable children rely on good role models against schools have increasingly concerned The Newman Society responded with the help and moral guides for their formation. employees who were fired for civil same-sex of attorneys at Alliance De- unions—and many would question the need for fending Freedom, filing an “A teacher who is a groundskeeper to witness to Catholic teach- amicus brief urging the full full of Christian ings on marriage. 7th Circuit Court to overrule MORAL STANDARDS wisdom, well pre- the panel decision and to ap- “ pared in his own Nevertheless, all employees should be held to ply the ministerial exception SHOULD APPLY TO subject, does more high standards at a Catholic school, because ev- to all employment-related EDUCATORS IN EVERY than convey the ery employee is a member of the school’s Cath- matters. In December the sense of what he is olic community that is committed to students’ full court took the rare step of SUBJECT AREA, NOT JUST “ teaching to his pu- formation. Although the extent of their interac- vacating the panel ruling and pils,” declares the tion with students may differ, any employee of a will soon reconsider whether RELIGION TEACHERS OR Congregation for school can have an impact on students’ outlook to let the case move forward. Catholic Educa- and behavior. THEOLOGY PROFESSORS. tion in The Catho- Morality expectations lic School (1977). The Newman Society is developing standards “Over and above to help Catholic educators develop policies and In 2015, controversy erupted what he says, he employment documents upholding moral ex- in the Archdiocese of San Francisco over mo- guides his pupils beyond his mere words to the pectations for employees. See also our recently rality clauses in teacher contracts, although the heart of total Truth.” published argument for applying such expec- Church’s standards were in the end preserved. tations broadly, in “All Employees Matter in Many other dioceses have implemented similar As even secular courts acknowledge by the min- the Mission of Catholic Education” by Dr. Dan employment guidelines both to protect Catholic isterial exception, teachers in Catholic education Guernsey. He notes that even limited student schools and to provide clarity to employees. are expected to display more than knowledge of a contact by an employee has potential for good or particular subject area—they are to be witnesses ill, and every employee should serve the mission Catholic school and college leaders should be to the faith in word and action. of Catholic education. clear about moral expectations when interview- ing prospective employees, and there are a variety “Intimately linked in charity to one another and Consider a secular business: every employee of ways of inserting faith and morals clauses into to their students and endowed with an apostol- serves the company’s objectives, and any action employment documents. These include morality, ic spirit, may teachers by their life as much as that undermines the company’s success is rea- witness, and belief statements and language in by their instruction bear witness to Christ, the son for discipline or dismissal. The purpose of pre-contract agreements, contracts, and employ- unique Teacher,” exhorted Pope Saint Paul VI in Catholic education is to teach and form young ee handbooks. Gravissimum Educationis, the Vatican II Dec- people in the faith and lead them to God, and laration on Christian Education. no employee should ever obstruct that mission. Catholic schools and colleges can avoid disputes OCM by clearly explaining to employees the funda- mental religious nature of all their efforts and the Catholic principles that undergird employ- ment policies. All employees should be made aware of their responsibility to advance the religious mission of Catholic education. There should be no confusion about which faith and moral transgressions can result in disciplinary action or firing.

See the Newman Society website for our review of moral standards for Catholic schools and a compilation of sample policies from dioceses around the country.

Winter 2021 • NewmanSociety.org 07 Mission Fit: Working with Nontraditional Families

ast year, when the child of a same- The Church teaches that individuals with What policies best serve the mission of Catholic sex couple was denied admission same-sex attraction should be treated with education? While it may take some time to reach to St. Ann Catholic School in dignity. However, the challenge regarding consensus, The Cardinal Newman Society, Prairie Village, Kan., the incident same-sex couples and our Catholic schools through its Catholic Identity Standards Project, sparked public debate over Catho- is that same-sex parents cannot model be- is working with educators to develop guidance lic school admissions policies. haviors and attitudes regarding marriage on this critical but complex issue. and sexual morality consistent with essential LIt also revealed disagreement in dioceses across components of the Church’s teachings. This Not every family the country about standards for Catholic school creates a conflict for their children between enrollment, particularly when students’ family what they are taught in school and what is ex- As a key means of evangelization, Catholic relationships are taken into account. Disagree- perienced at home. It also becomes a source schools serve the Church’s mission to teach the ment in the Church regarding nontraditional of confusion for the other school children. nations about Christ and all truth. In principle, families—the growing variety of home situa- they should be eager to teach every young per- tions beyond a faithfully Catholic family with a Critics pounced, accusing the Archdiocese of son who seeks admission, although that is not married mother and father—may leave schools discriminating against homosexuals while ad- possible or wise in every situation. more vulnerable to discrimination lawsuits and mitting children whose parents are divorced and to vilification by the media, politicians and so- remarried. Other dioceses disregard parents’ In practice, it is rare for a Catholic school not to cial activists. sexuality when making admissions decisions. limit enrollment for practical reasons as well as Some argue that Catholic schools should wel- concerns about a student’s behavior and impact Following the incident at St. Ann’s, the Archdi- come students from any family situation, so that on other students’ education. ocese of Kansas City, Kan., issued a statement, at least the children can be taught the Catholic which read in part: faith. Enrollment decisions should also look at a student’s family situation, not because it is a school’s primary mission to address the mor- al life of parents—although the school can do much to witness to moral truth and help parents get the pastoral care they need—but because family circumstances may make it impossible to fulfill the mission of Catholic education without conflict, confusion and scandal to the students who are enrolled in the school.

Denying admission because of family situa- tions, often no fault of the child, is difficult. But it is critical to the mission of Catholic education to prevent situations that could unintentionally lead other impressionable students away from virtue and holiness, which directly contradicts a Catholic school’s purpose.

A Catholic school is more than a service; it is a community committed to the mission of Catho- lic education, and participating families need to be a part of that commitment. Enrolling Cath- olic families should be a school’s first priority, because of the right of baptized Catholics to for-

08 NewmanSociety.org • Winter 2021 mation in the faith and the Church’s obligation In some cases, a school could attempt to help a come alienated from the parents or, more like- to serve this need. family regularize a home situation, as long as the ly, alienated from the Church. In such cases, it problems are not so publicly visible and confus- may be imprudent to enroll the child in Catholic Family circumstances ing to other students that they conflict with the education until they have the maturity to sort mission of Catholic education. A school must through such painful and complex realities. In today’s culture, schools increasingly are faced avoid appearing to condone parents’ immoral with students whose parents or guardians are choices and compromising the school’s reputa- For Catholic educators today, the most difficult not Catholic, unwed and cohabiting, remarried tion for teaching truth. situation to handle may be when it is discovered outside the Church, in a same-sex union, or that a current or prospective student’s parents identify as transgender. It must also consider the potential damage when or guardians are in a homosexual relationship. parents openly and strongly oppose the moral This is not identical to other irregular and im- In many of these instances, families may be safe- lessons at a Catholic school. Children natural- moral circumstances, because the Church ly invited into a Catholic school if they agree to ly rely on their parents’ emotional and physical teaches that same-sex unions are fundamentally support the mission of educating and forming care, and in cases in which the parents are so in opposition to marriage and allow no possi- students in the truths of the Catholic faith and do strongly opposed to what a Catholic school bility of regularization, as is possible in most not interfere with that mission. Every such fam- teaches, a school could cause the child to be- male-female relationships. It is always the case ily seeking a Catholic education should be that a public same-sex union brings addressed with compassion and a desire to moral confusion and scandal into the help parents reconcile with Catholic teach- school community. ing, usually by referring them to a priest or other parish ministries for pastoral care. …A CATHOLIC SCHOOL MUST BE For deeper discussion of these issues, “PREPARED TO DELAY ADMISSION OR the Newman Society recommends two

Still, with its purpose of teaching truth, a papers at our website: “Not All Families

Catholic school must be prepared to delay TURN AWAY OR DISMISS A STUDENT Are a Good Fit for Catholic Schools” admission or turn away or dismiss a student and “Working With Nontraditional whose family situation causes moral confu- WHOSE FAMILY SITUATION CAUSES“ Families in Catholic Schools,” both by sion and scandal among other students in Dr. Dan Guernsey. These were circulat- the school’s care. This requires courage. A MORAL CONFUSION AND SCANDAL ed among Catholic educators, diocesan Catholic school must have the conviction leaders, and theologians for comment that upholding its mission, protecting its AMONG OTHER STUDENTS… before publication. OCM students from confusion and scandal, and guiding families to moral truth even by de- nying enrollment is true compassion.

Winter 2021 • NewmanSociety.org 09 Athletics Should Uphold Truth of Body and Gender

eeking “a fair and safe playing field conferences that allow students to declare their tosterone suppression treatment. The NCAA for all children and young adults,” gender and compete against students of the hosted a summit on gender identity last October the U.S. bishops in October backed opposite sex, while others have similar internal and is widely expected to expand its transgender federal legislation to prevent schools policies. policies and outreach. and colleges from allowing male ath- letes—including those who identify In Connecticut, three female high school ath- Responding to the apparent need for clarity in Sas transgender—to participate in female sports. letes have filed a federal lawsuit claiming viola- Catholic education, the Newman Society is de- tion of the federal Title IX law, because biolog- veloping recommended standards for policies The bishops’ position should not be surprising. ical males have been allowed to compete and addressing all aspects of athletics programs— It reflects the Church’s clear teaching that gen- win female titles in state track championships. not only gender issues, but also the role of sports der is not divisible from biological sex, and that The U.S. Department of Education has agreed in virtue development and many practical con- men and women should not be treated as iden- that girls have the right to compete in all-female cerns. These will be circulated for comment by tical despite sharing equal dignity and human- events. But since 2017, when the Connecticut athletics directors as well as diocesan leaders, ity. The Church has a long history of single-sex Interscholastic Athletic Conference allowed school leaders and theologians. education and athletic programs, recognizing students to choose teams according to a “pre- both physical and social differences between the ferred gender identity,” Catholic schools have But to specifically address the issue of gender, sexes while protecting students’ safety, develop- continued to participate in the league. we have circulated and published a helpful ad- ment and chastity. visory by veteran educator Dr. Dan Guernsey, Likewise many Catholic colleges belong to titled “Protecting the Human Person: Gender But in athletics programs at many Catholic the National Collegiate Athletic Association Issues in Catholic School and College Sports.” schools and colleges today, the Church’s teach- (NCAA), which allows a biological male to com- It is available at the Newman Society website. ing is less clear. Some participate in athletic pete on a women’s team after one year of tes-

IN CONNECTICUT, THREE “ FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES HAVE FILED A FEDERAL LAWSUIT CLAIMING SEX DISCRIMINATION,

BECAUSE BIOLOGICAL MALES

HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO COMPETE AND WIN FEMALE “ TITLES IN STATE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS.

10 NewmanSociety.org • Winter 2021 Body and soul “Gender theory is a distortion of the full devel- goals the use of athletics as a means of incul- opment of a person and attacks the integrity of cating virtue, especially justice and fair play, When athletics are done well, it’s a great blessing the body,” writes Guernsey. “It works against promoting the unity of body and soul, and for Catholic students, Guernsey writes. a Catholic understanding of athletics and the protecting the human body not only from good of the person and so has no claim on Cath- physical injury, but also from any attack on its Athletics serves the mission of Catholic ed- olic programing.” integrity, exploitation, and idolatry.” ucation, which “entails the pursuit of truth, the integral formation of the human person, The way forward “Athletic policies should require that stu- the sanctification of students, and service to dents participate on sport teams consistent the community,” he notes. Sports in Catholic Guernsey recommends practical steps that with their biological sex.” schools and colleges “can be particularly effec- Catholic schools and colleges should take to tive in developing virtue, building community, maintain a strong Catholic identity: “Athletic personnel should be formed in a and providing a powerful experience of the uni- spirituality of athletics as part of their ongo- ty of body and soul.” “Catholic educational institutions should ing professional development. Such forma- publicly and explicitly affirm and seek to tion may include presentations by theologians The Vatican teaches: implement their faith-based mission and de- on Christian anthropology, the role of sport velop and consistently abide by policies in and play in human well-being, and sports as …in the context of the modern world, sport all programs that support this mission. They a tool of evangelization and virtue develop- is perhaps the most striking example of the should assert religious freedom to uphold ment.” unity of body and soul. …neglecting the uni- Catholic teaching and claim exemption from ty of body and soul results in an attitude that laws, regulations, athletic association rules, By taking a leading role in local and national con- either entirely disregards the body or fosters etc. that demand conformity to gender ideol- versations about gender in sports and asserting a worldly materialism. Hence, all the dimen- ogy.” the importance of single-sex competition, Cath- sions have to be taken into account in order olic athletic directors and education leaders can to understand what actually constitutes the “Athletic programs should include in their find common ground with others. Some other human being. Christian schools and colleges will share our moral perspective, while others will share Gender ideology is thus a danger to students our concerns for player safety, fair play, and and incompatible with a Catholic understand- justice. Advocates for women should be con- ing of sport. SPORTS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS cerned about protecting single-sex athletics “AND COLLEGES ‘CAN BE to ensure opportunities for girls. “Because athletics is such a powerful in- fluence on both individuals and cultures, it PARTICULARLY EFFECTIVE IN “Catholic education is devoted to the sancti- can also pose a threat when it does not serve fication of its students and integral formation truth or does not serve to praise God,” writes DEVELOPING VIRTUE, BUILDING by witnessing to Christ and all that is true Guernsey, recalling Pope St. John Paul II’s and good,” Guernsey writes. “To lead the teaching that “self-denial and respect for COMMUNITY, AND PROVIDING A “ children in their care to God requires that the body as God’s gift are fundamental to a they encounter the fullness of His truth and healthy athletic program.” POWERFUL EXPERIENCE OF THE that they not foster situations in which stu- dents might be led astray in matters of basic UNITY OF BODY AND SOUL.’ human nature and morality.” OCM Winter 2021 • NewmanSociety.org 11 Selected Newman Society resources for Catholic educators and families

Human sexuality policies • Policy Standards on Human Sexuality in Catholic Education • Working with Nontraditional Families in Catholic Schools • Not All Families Are a Good Fit for Catholic Schools • Protecting the Human Person: Gender Issues in Catholic School and College Sports • Fighting Pornography on Catholic College Campuses

Moral standards for employees • All Employees Matter in the Mission of Catholic Education • Community Matters to a Catholic School’s Mission • Faith and Morals Language in Catholic School Teacher Employment Documents: Best Practices Brief • Morality Language in Catholic School Teacher Employment Documents: Exemplar Statements, Language, and Contract Samples

Legal issues • Key Points on Supreme Court’s Espinoza Ruling on Public Benefits for Catholic Education • Key Points on Supreme Court’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Ruling on Ministerial Exception • Key Points on Supreme Court’s Bostock Ruling on Sex Discrimination • Amicus brief to 7th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding ministerial exception

Academics • Catholic Curriculum Standards • Policy Standards on Secular Academic Materials and Programs in Catholic Education • Analysis of Advanced Placement Courses • Analysis of International Baccalaureate Program • Analysis of Secular Character Development Programs and Materials • Policy Standards on Literature and the Arts in Catholic Education • Maintaining Catholic Identity in Distance Learning Instruction

View these resources and more: NewmanSociety.org/OCM