Peer Educators Organize Discussion Over Dinner Event

Peer Educators Organize Discussion Over Dinner Event

Holy Cross Dialogue Dinner Explores Role of Catholic Colleges in Sexual Education

At a recent Dialogue Dinner hosted by the Students Promoting Empathy, Expression, and Civic Harmony (SPEECH) Peer Educators at Holy Cross, the role of Catholic colleges in sexual education was the topic of discussion.

The event, held on March 18, 2025, provided a platform for students, faculty, and guest speakers such as Dr. Anthony Fauci '62, Hon. '87 and Kelsey DeVoe, the head of Health Services, to engage in constructive and civilized dialogue about the subject.

The discussion centred around the commitment of Catholic colleges like Holy Cross to uphold Catholic moral teaching, particularly the Church’s teachings on human sexuality, while also addressing the challenges of providing comprehensive sex education on campuses.

Traditionally, Catholic colleges integrate sexual education within the framework of Catholic doctrine, emphasising moral responsibility and chastity. This education aims to prepare students as informed members of the Church and society, fostering a community life that reflects Catholic values.

However, the dialogue also acknowledged tensions and evolving perspectives within Catholic institutions on sexual education topics. For instance, student-led groups at other Catholic universities have sought to provide more comprehensive sex education and access to contraception, highlighting a disconnect between official Catholic teachings and student experiences or needs.

These groups emphasise the reality of limited sex education and the health risks among college-aged people, advocating for increased education and access to reproductive health services. This sometimes conflicts with institutional policies.

Moreover, some Catholic institutions and bishops outside the U.S., as in Germany, are exploring more inclusive approaches regarding sexual diversity and LGBTQ+ students to reduce discrimination and promote respect.

In summary, the role of Catholic colleges in sexual education, as discussed at the Dialogue Dinner, reflects a balancing act: upholding Catholic moral principles while responding to contemporary needs and debates among students about sexual health education, inclusivity, and contraception access. This creates both opportunities and challenges for Catholic colleges like Holy Cross in shaping their sexual education programs.

The next Dialogue Dinner, scheduled for March 18, 2027, will address the role of politics in public health, featuring a panel including Dr. Anthony Fauci. The Dialogue Dinners are seen as a unique offering that adds to the campus community by promoting productive and meaningful conversations.

The SPEECH Peer Educators, started last year by Caitlin MacNeil '13 and Dean Michelle Bata, continue to promote free speech on campus through these events. Nathan Howard '25, the Editor-in-Chief of the news article about the March 18, 2025, Dialogue Dinner, and Molly Landis '27, the News Editor and a member of SPEECH Peer Educators, have been instrumental in documenting these important discussions.

Julia Kane '27 and Thomas Manzo '27, who gave reflections during the dinner, emphasised the importance of learning how to have healthy disagreements. Kelsey DeVoe expressed her appreciation for events like the Dialogue Dinner, as they provide opportunities to hear student opinions and develop communication skills.

Margaret Baum '25, in her reflection on Sexual Respect Week and its events, highlighted the importance of these discussions in fostering a safe and respectful campus community.

[1] DePaul students push for comprehensive sex education

[2] Christendom College Student Handbook

[3] German Bishops Embrace Inclusive Approach to LGBTQ+ Students

[4] Benedictine College Student Handbook

1. DePaul students are advocating for more comprehensive sex education to cater to students' needs and address limited sex education and health risks among college-aged individuals.
2. The student handbook at DePaul University may provide guidance on sexual education in line with Catholic teachings.
3. German Catholic bishops have been exploring more inclusive approaches to sexual diversity and LGBTQ+ students to reduce discrimination and promote respect on campus.
4. The student handbook at Christendom College may also integrate sexual education within the framework of Catholic doctrine, emphasizing moral responsibility and chastity.
5. Benedictine College may also uphold Catholic moral teaching in their approach to sexual education.
6. Catholic colleges play a crucial role in student development as they aim to prepare students as informed members of the Church and society, fostering a community life that reflects Catholic values.
7. The Dialogue Dinners hosted by SPEECH Peer Educators promote productive and meaningful conversations about critical topics such as sexual health education, inclusivity, and contraception access, helping students to improve their communication skills.
8. The education and self-development opportunities offered on campus, including events like Sexual Respect Week, help create a safe and respectful campus environment.
9. Career development and skills training is vital for students, but discussions on topics such as sexual health education can also contribute to personal growth, fostering a sense of respect, empathy, and civic responsibility among students, faculty, and the broader university community.

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