Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and nine former and current Boston city councilors signed a petition calling for Boston College to create an LGBTQ+ resource center on campus and include gender identity in the University’s discrimination policy, according to a post on BC Equality’s Instagram on Monday.
The petition has garnered high-profile support in the past, including a retweet from Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, and an endorsement from former Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson, both last March.
UGBC leaders are undergoing conversations with the University administration about ways BC can better support its students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. While conversations are ongoing, BC has no plans to establish an LGBTQ+ resource center in the near future, according to Vice President for Student Affairs Joy Moore and Director of Student Outreach and Support Caroline Davis.
A petition calling for BC to support LGBTQ+ students has more than 1,000 signatures. Another calling on BC to implement a gender-neutral housing program has more than 200.
“Can we no longer hold a public opinion, if it disagrees with those who have a hold over media and loud voices?”
“If we want to continue to grow as a Boston College community it is important that we do not hide behind what is perceived as Jesuit ideals and other kinds of groupthink and think for ourselves.”
“The bible solely existing as a piece of literature notwithstanding, it is hypocritical to claim that traditional marriage is vindicated in the bible and therefore rationalizes oppression of marginalized communities.”
“To queer folks directly, you belong at BC. Plain and simple: you belong here.”
“It is important to remember that the push for a LGBTQ+ resource center stems from the desire to have a safe space for queer students where resources are centralized and made easily-accessible.”
“If Catholic colleges need anything, they need resources to articulate a Catholic position in a way that assists personal growth and a sense of calling.”
