Men Identifying as Women

In a groundbreaking move, Saint Mary’s College, an exclusively female Catholic institution in Notre Dame, Indiana, has revised its non-discrimination policy to admit men who identify as women. The decision stems from the college’s commitment to providing an “inclusive campus experience” and empowering women through education.

Policy Change and Implementation Considerations: Starting from the fall of 2024, men presenting themselves as women are eligible to apply for undergraduate admission. College President Katie Conboy communicated this development to the faculty, emphasizing the need to align the policy with the college’s commitment to operating as a Catholic women’s college. While the college is still deliberating on the practical aspects of this change, Conboy referenced the guidance of the “President’s Task Force for Gender Identity and Expression.”

Alumna Criticism and Institutional Response: The decision faced criticism from alumna Clare Ann Ath, who questioned the stance of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. Ath, a government affairs manager for the pro-life group Human Coalition, labeled the decision as “blasphemous” and a departure from Church teachings on gender and sexuality.

Policy Approval and Compliance: The college’s Board of Trustees approved the policy change in June 2023, emphasizing non-discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity. The revised policy aligns with federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, allowing undergraduate admission for those whose sex is female or who consistently live and identify as women. Graduate degree programs remain open to all.

Mission and Inspiration from Pope Francis: The college’s mission, as stated on its website, is to empower women through education and foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus experience. College President Conboy invoked Pope Francis’ quote about loving individuals for who they are, citing the Pope’s emphasis on seeking the best for their lives.

Pope Francis’ Evolving Stance: The article notes Pope Francis’ evolving stance on transgender issues, highlighting his recent lunch with a group of trans-identifying men as part of the World Day of the Poor.

Despite previous criticism of transgenderism as “dangerous ideological colonization,” the Vatican’s doctrinal office has clarified that trans-identified individuals can be baptized and serve as godparents in specific circumstances.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The christianpost