Office of the President

Dear Students: As you conclude this semester, prepare for final exams, and complete your papers, I want to apologize for the disruption, hurt, and anger many of you have experienced as a result of my decision regarding Dr. Tina Beattie. First, I want to emphasize that the Catholic identity, at the heart of our universitys mission, is and has always been compatible with our commitment to academic freedom. This has not changed, nor will it change. As a Catholic institution, we are part of a global dialogue about sensitive issues that deeply touch peoples lives and their concerns. The reactions to my decision clearly brought these sensitivities to the surface and call us to further conversation about them, all within an environment that is respectful of academic freedom, our institutional identity, and differences of opinion. Some have assumed that my decision was prompted by these sensitive and emotionally charged topics including same sex marriage and gay rights. These claims are not true. Rather, I made a decision based on the information available to me in exercising my own responsibilities as the president of this Catholic university. While I earnestly wish that timing and communications in advance of my decision had allowed for a better and more consultative process, I was not given that opportunity. I cannot emphasize strongly enough that my decision was based solely on dissention from the Churchs legitimate teaching authority, not my personal opinions on any particular issue. In other words, I did not take the topic of that dissent into account when making my decision, nor was I influenced by donors or others. I am very grateful for the feedback I have received from many members of our community and have taken to heart the ways I can better meet your expectations. I deeply regret the way my decision was communicated. Among the greatest lessons learned in this controversy is the necessity of improved and more expedient communications with the campus. I know that many of you do not agree with my decision, but I ask that you understand it was made, first and foremost, in the best interests of upholding the mission and values of our strong and respected university. Sincerely, Mary E. Lyons, PhD President