I Stand With Kate Murray

I’m a Sacred Heart alumna and I am appalled. We are better than this.

#IStandWithKate

I stand with Kate Murray

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It's 2018, how can a school be denying a student such a basic right, let alone a right she's using to support such a vital organization.

#IStandWithKate

I stand with Kate Murray

As a Sacred Heart alumna and as a high school teacher in Jordan, I am familiar with education in a conservative religious community. Even here in the Middle East, a region so often stereotyped as religiously fanatic and "backwards," such a stifling of difference would not be tolerated by my school administrators. We grow intellectually and personally through thoughtful, compassionate, and often difficult discussions inside the classroom and out—conversations in which our beliefs are questioned and our assumptions challenged. Perhaps Sacred Heart's own goals and criteria say it best: personal growth happens in "an atmosphere of wise freedom." I stand with the Sacred Heart that allows for students to think and debate and discuss "in an atmosphere of wise freedom.” I stand with the Planned Parenthood that empowers women to make informed choices about their bodies. I’m proud of all the Sacred Heart students and alumnae who are, in the spirit of a "social awareness which impels to action," speaking out against the illusion that schools will ever be apolitical spaces.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Coming from a Catholic School in Cincinnati, this is appalling. Teach your girls catholic values but also respect their intellectual freedom and and freedom to speak.

As the mother of two CSH alums, I felt compelled to call Pamela Hayes earlier today. I was pleasantly surprised when she answered her own phone, and I asked her if she was able to clarify what I had heard regarding the laptop sticker. She told me that although she was unable to comment directly on the issues, she insisted that there was a lot of misinformation circulating. In addition, she told me that she was in the process of drafting a letter on the topic to be sent to the CSH network. Below is a complete copy of her "statement", I will let you come to your own conclusions. The following is a statement from Head of School Pamela Hayes regarding a current issue on campus: I would like to address the important issue of freedom of expression at Sacred Heart Greenwich, which recently has been the focus of discussion within our community. Within the framework of the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education, we encourage the rigorous examination of broad points of view, cultures and beliefs where it is most appropriate — in our classrooms. Empowering our students with the ability to confidently express their views in an informed, constructive manner, we discourage the display of stickers, posters, buttons or banners supporting or opposing political candidates, positions or organizations on clothing, computers, lockers or anywhere else on our campus. Whenever such displays become an issue, we work with our students to identify other forums for their expressions which are consistent with our academic mission and respectful of the diverse views within our community. Over the last several days, many alumnae have reached out to us to state how important and informative it was for them to be able to debate sensitive, controversial issues in class during their time here on campus. We deeply appreciate their input, and are committed to maintaining the respectful learning environment that has nurtured generations of confident Sacred Heart graduates. Pa

When discussion about controversial topics is squelched at the primary and secondary level, whether motivated by desire to avoid conflict, personal belief or identity politics, we fail our children. The primary and secondary school levels are the ideal forums to learn how to listen, analyze and only then - opine. We see college students unable to respect opinions and the polarization of absolute beliefs as adults - because the institutions we trust to teach our children to be respective and informed citizens, avoid this lesson. Kate knows her voice and is using it. Kudos to her. I hope that Sacred Heart will take this lesson to heart, foster real discussion of all topics and help to mold our daughters into women of substance, empathy and strength.

Helloooo ever heard of freedom of speech??? The school sent out an email and said they don't want students endorsing political views. But there is a Pro-Life club on campus... endorsed by the school.... the hypocrisy has gone too far.

Sad that an institution which provides opportunities for women would try to limit free speech and the freedom of thought.

from one Sacred Heart school to another, I stand with Kate Murray and I stand with Planned Parenthood

Hypocritical and disgusting

Let's go forwards, Sacred Heart, not backwards. Jesus said to help others who need it, and that is what Planned Parenthood does.

A school should be a professional institution, part of which requires an unbiasedes, indiscriminatory commitment to education. Students should not be punished simply for having different beliefs than a member of the administration. If a student were enforcing an actual hate group, then threatening expulsion is an acceptable way to prevent the development of a toxic or dangerous environment for other students, but having a bumper sticker endorsing Planned Parenthood is in no way similar. In no way does Kate's support of Planned Parenthood impose on other students' ability to receive an education or their safety. Even if the administration looks down upon Planned Parenthood or the services it provides, they have no justification to punish Kate for her difference of opinion. Not to mention the fact that schools should endorse nonprofits and affordable healthcare if they care about harboring good values in their students.

Well said, I applaud your comments!

I am from Greenwich CT and am appalled that CSH would do such a thing.