I'm a 1989 alum from the undergraduate program and briefly returned as a faculty member in the Business School. I needed progesterin-heavy prescription to treat a gynecological condition. I was extremely upset to have to supply a note from a physician to verify this. I felt incredibly disrespected as a professional employee to be treated that way, and it still rankles to this day. I will be incredibly ashamed if the administration gives into pressure to remove an impressive young almun like Katie Washington for merely speaking truth from an informed medical perspective.
M
Margaret Pinkham
12 years ago
Please recognize that Katie Washington has a right to her opinions and full health care options. She is a valuable member of the Board.
B
Brett Hausauer
12 years ago
The term "individual" applies to each and every member of the global community precisely because no two people, alive or dead, have ever been identical in the scope of their opinions, beliefs, and practices. Furthermore, one would be hard-pressed to identify a single human being, Catholic or otherwise, whose every thought and action were entirely commensurate with Catholic teaching (which would be categorically impossible, given the extreme historical flux/inconsistency in said teachings). In the same vein, one starts down a slippery slope when he or she employs a person's views on one particular issue as a defense for invalidating their views on all others. Please, recognize that variation is the substrate for evolution, and don't blatantly violate the University's own non-discrimination policy as lain down by the Office of Institutional Equity. Certainly there are people whose conduct has proven that they are unworthy to serve such an office, but Katie is not one of them. Her accomplishments and commitments smack of compassion, drive, and thoughtfulness, and those are qualities that should be commended. Plus, rumor has it that another board member once used a condom.
E
Eleanor M. Walker, M.D.
12 years ago
I think that we all have differing opinions on many things that the Catholic church may not agree with. However all viewpoints should be allowed and respected even if they are not agreed with.
B
Brennan Bollman
12 years ago
Katie Washington is an extremely intelligent young professional who by her particular career path and special interests is absolutely epitomizing the University's mission of "learning becoming service to justice." She would be a fantastic addition the Board of Trustees. I agree wholeheartedly with the text of the above petition and would be ashamed of my alma mater if it were so close-minded as to block her appointment for the issue at hand.
V
vickie yaser
12 years ago
Notre Dame is less of itself if it must exclude diverse expressions of thought among its leaders.
F
Francis McCormick, '08
12 years ago
Diversity is the key to vitality.
A
Alain C Uwilingiyimana
12 years ago
The moment we stopped listening to diverse views, we cease to grow.
D
Diego Silva
12 years ago
Open minded choice.
A
Aaron R. Quarles
12 years ago
Class of 2010. I had the honor to learn and grow alongside Katie Washington. As a friend and as a future colleague in the medical profession, I fully trust the decision she has come to support in her role in educating and protecting a larger public. The university should be proud of her leadership and dedication to service. She is a model of what Notre Dame should be about. Diversity has always been a struggle to achieve at our University, and I am proud to see the number of voices who have come out in support of one of our sisters.
D
David Condon
12 years ago
The appointment of Katie Washington is an embodiment of what makes the University of Notre Dame the premier Catholic university. From Notre Dame's mission statement: "The intellectual interchange essential to a university requires, and is enriched by, the presence and voices of diverse scholars and students." I am proud to support and have graduated from a university that aims to be led by the type of students it hopes to attract. Being led by a member of the intellectual elite with her own perspectives grounded in her Catholic education can only mean not good - but GREAT things for the future of our University.
S
Steve Thomas
12 years ago
Christ never forced any one to do anything and he did not stand in the way of people who thought contrary. In the case of contraception, Christians should not stand in the way.
B
Brian McLaughlin '82
12 years ago
The opponents of Katie Washington's appointment are one-note activists. The University is not defined by its stance on contraception. Katie represents the best of the rest of what Notre Dame epitomizes.
R
Riyath Mallahi
12 years ago
Featured
Intellectual diversity is the hallmark of a liberal arts education. None are more qualified for this role than Katie Washington. To rob the board of a candidate of Katie's caliber as well as the unique voice she brings would violate the spirit of excellence the University strives for.
Y
Yurianna Kim
12 years ago
Notre Dame, although a Catholic institution, is a university that constantly markets how students from all religious backgrounds are welcome on its campus (especially when trying to attract minority candidates). For years as a tour guide and volunteer student recruiter for the ND admissions office, this is what I told potential students and their families. Why then is the board not a welcome place for alumni from all backgrounds/perspectives as well? Really, is it ethical to convince people from different backgrounds to come to ND, just so that they discover later on that they can’t fully participate in the life of the university because their views are different? ND either is or isn’t welcome to all, and removing Katie Washington from the board of trustees will send a clear message that it isn’t. I sincerely hope that ND continues to support Katie’s position on the board and does not give in to a group of people who have such a limited view on what being Catholic really means.
A
Anonymous
12 years ago
'13
R
Ray Serafin '70
12 years ago
Pope Francis is pushing boundaries and has made it clear that the Church is open to re-examining the contraception issue.
T
Timothy Latham
12 years ago
Class of 2010
A
Andrew Velzen
12 years ago
Class of 2012
M
Myisha Eatmon
12 years ago
Keep ND diverse! Diversity is the key to progress and advancement of the university
I'm a 1989 alum from the undergraduate program and briefly returned as a faculty member in the Business School. I needed progesterin-heavy prescription to treat a gynecological condition. I was extremely upset to have to supply a note from a physician to verify this. I felt incredibly disrespected as a professional employee to be treated that way, and it still rankles to this day. I will be incredibly ashamed if the administration gives into pressure to remove an impressive young almun like Katie Washington for merely speaking truth from an informed medical perspective.
Please recognize that Katie Washington has a right to her opinions and full health care options. She is a valuable member of the Board.
The term "individual" applies to each and every member of the global community precisely because no two people, alive or dead, have ever been identical in the scope of their opinions, beliefs, and practices. Furthermore, one would be hard-pressed to identify a single human being, Catholic or otherwise, whose every thought and action were entirely commensurate with Catholic teaching (which would be categorically impossible, given the extreme historical flux/inconsistency in said teachings). In the same vein, one starts down a slippery slope when he or she employs a person's views on one particular issue as a defense for invalidating their views on all others. Please, recognize that variation is the substrate for evolution, and don't blatantly violate the University's own non-discrimination policy as lain down by the Office of Institutional Equity. Certainly there are people whose conduct has proven that they are unworthy to serve such an office, but Katie is not one of them. Her accomplishments and commitments smack of compassion, drive, and thoughtfulness, and those are qualities that should be commended. Plus, rumor has it that another board member once used a condom.
I think that we all have differing opinions on many things that the Catholic church may not agree with. However all viewpoints should be allowed and respected even if they are not agreed with.
Katie Washington is an extremely intelligent young professional who by her particular career path and special interests is absolutely epitomizing the University's mission of "learning becoming service to justice." She would be a fantastic addition the Board of Trustees. I agree wholeheartedly with the text of the above petition and would be ashamed of my alma mater if it were so close-minded as to block her appointment for the issue at hand.
Notre Dame is less of itself if it must exclude diverse expressions of thought among its leaders.
Diversity is the key to vitality.
The moment we stopped listening to diverse views, we cease to grow.
Open minded choice.
Class of 2010. I had the honor to learn and grow alongside Katie Washington. As a friend and as a future colleague in the medical profession, I fully trust the decision she has come to support in her role in educating and protecting a larger public. The university should be proud of her leadership and dedication to service. She is a model of what Notre Dame should be about. Diversity has always been a struggle to achieve at our University, and I am proud to see the number of voices who have come out in support of one of our sisters.
The appointment of Katie Washington is an embodiment of what makes the University of Notre Dame the premier Catholic university. From Notre Dame's mission statement: "The intellectual interchange essential to a university requires, and is enriched by, the presence and voices of diverse scholars and students." I am proud to support and have graduated from a university that aims to be led by the type of students it hopes to attract. Being led by a member of the intellectual elite with her own perspectives grounded in her Catholic education can only mean not good - but GREAT things for the future of our University.
Christ never forced any one to do anything and he did not stand in the way of people who thought contrary. In the case of contraception, Christians should not stand in the way.
The opponents of Katie Washington's appointment are one-note activists. The University is not defined by its stance on contraception. Katie represents the best of the rest of what Notre Dame epitomizes.
Intellectual diversity is the hallmark of a liberal arts education. None are more qualified for this role than Katie Washington. To rob the board of a candidate of Katie's caliber as well as the unique voice she brings would violate the spirit of excellence the University strives for.
Notre Dame, although a Catholic institution, is a university that constantly markets how students from all religious backgrounds are welcome on its campus (especially when trying to attract minority candidates). For years as a tour guide and volunteer student recruiter for the ND admissions office, this is what I told potential students and their families. Why then is the board not a welcome place for alumni from all backgrounds/perspectives as well? Really, is it ethical to convince people from different backgrounds to come to ND, just so that they discover later on that they can’t fully participate in the life of the university because their views are different? ND either is or isn’t welcome to all, and removing Katie Washington from the board of trustees will send a clear message that it isn’t. I sincerely hope that ND continues to support Katie’s position on the board and does not give in to a group of people who have such a limited view on what being Catholic really means.
'13
Pope Francis is pushing boundaries and has made it clear that the Church is open to re-examining the contraception issue.
Class of 2010
Class of 2012
Keep ND diverse! Diversity is the key to progress and advancement of the university