The private research university that claims to be "inspired by its Catholic character to be a powerful force for good in the world" has reportedly promised to "affirm and advocate" for LGBT ideology.
Specifically, its counseling center "seeks to actively affirm and advocate for Two-Spirit, nonbinary, lesbian, gay, bisexual/bi+, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual/ace+ (2SNLGBTQIA+) students by providing a safe and welcoming space," according to its website.
The school has also hosted a drag show on campus and posted a series of videos appearing to endorse homosexual relationships in the past.
"As a Catholic, I would say it's disappointing that Notre Dame is promoting this destructive gender ideology," comments Matt Lamb, associate editor of The College Fix. "It's clearly against the teachings of the Catholic Church … that there are two sexes, you can't change your sex, and that people with same-sex/gay desires should live a life of chastity."
Comparing the university's statement to President Trump's policy on gender and mutilative surgeries and drugs for kids, he submits the president has a better grasp on biological reality than the research institution does.
"Despite having plenty of priests on campus, plenty of theologians, the university continues to support this destructive ideology," Lamb laments. "They say they have queer-affirming therapists; I wonder if they have anyone there who is affirming of Catholicism."
Bishops from St. Mary's College, a related school, are stepping in and stopping men from being allowed into women's private spaces, but Lamb says this might be a situation that requires the diocese to intervene.
"When they talk about affirming people who are transgender, that means supporting them and removing healthy body parts that may make them permanently infertile, which these surgeries and these drugs can do," notes Lamb. "There's also heightened risk of death, of stroke, of heart problems, [and] bone density loss from taking these drugs."
If they still want to ignore Church teachings on the issue, he suggests Notre Dame should consider Chloe Cole's experience.
He also encourages donors, trustees, students, and professors to stand up to and for the students who are confused about their sexuality or gender. Lamb says what they need is counseling, prayer, and "maybe other types of support to help them overcome these unnatural desires and live the life that their Creator wants them to live" – one that conforms to God's will and "the natural order of life."
The University of Notre Dame was founded in 1842 by a young priest of a French missionary order called the Congregation of Holy Cross.
"Strong connections exist between Notre Dame's founding and early life and today's University," the school's website states. "The research taking place here and the spirit that exists here are reflections of a past marked by firsts and faith."
