Their Diverse Chickens Have Come Home to Roost…

This is pretty straightforward, so I will save all my comments for the end, although I did apply some emphasis.

Students facing punishment after Virgin Mary statue shattered at University of St. Thomas

University leaders say it was a deliberate act.

ADAM URENMAR 19, 2019

A numbers of students are facing punishment after a statue of the Virgin Mary was deliberately smashed at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul last week.

That’s according to President Julie Sullivan and Provost Richard Plumb, who issued a statement about the “religious vandalism” that occurred at the university’s Ireland Hall student residence.

The statue, which according to the statement has “stood in Ireland Hall for years,” was moved and “ultimately purposefully dropped and shattered.”

“This statue holds great significance to our Catholic faith, which is the heart of this university,” Sullivan and Plumb wrote.

“The destroying of a holy object of any religion is a grave act of disrespect and is completely inconsistent with St. Thomas’ values and convictions.“

The students responsible were identified following an investigation and the release of emails “denouncing the act” that were sent to the student body.

Those responsible will now be “subject to the student conduct process,” while any non-students involved will be barred from campus.

In the meantime, the university is now searching for a new statue to place in Ireland Hall.

The University of St. Thomas is Minnesota’s largest private university, catering to 10,000 students at its campuses in St. Paul, Minneapolis and Rome.

Right off the bat, we note that students were responsible. My guess is that it was not the devout types, but it’s just a guess.

I do have to laugh at the phrase “values and convictions”. I wonder what they actually are, because I went and did a tad bit of research on the university. Sure enough, it’s another sad, pathetic shadow of, maybe, what it once was.

Just to be clear, I’m fine with non-Catholics or even weak Catholics to attend Catholic universities. I am, however, not in favor of catering to their non-Catholic identities or dissent in any way, shape or form. A quick look at the site tells me that’s done in spades.

First, they cater to the Muslim faith. And, no, I don’t think a Catholic university should do so. It’s a Catholic university. If you attend a Catholic university, you shouldn’t expect he university to promote anything but Catholicism. http://www.startribune.com/at-st-thomas-catholics-and-muslims-find-common-ground/233251591/ https://stthomas.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/MSA
Yes, yes, I know that many of the Catholic universities do so. I really don’t care. I’m not saying that Muslims should be barred from praying, but reading all of the literature linked to, it’s far more than that. Heck, the Center for Campus Ministry/Office for Pastoral Care & Worship webpage is advertising the Muslim Women’s Retreat! Can’t find that Lenten retreat anywhere.

Next, they’re completely “inclusive” of the “LGBTQ” community. https://www.stthomas.edu/allies/ They’re not just trying to provide a “safe space” for them, they’re actually aiding in promoting the lifestyle.

https://stthomas.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/QSA
Our mission is to foster respect and equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Pansexual, Asexual, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary, Plus individuals and supporters within the University of St. Thomas community.

UST QSA accomplishes this mission through:

– serving as a safe space for individuals,

– acting as an educational resource for Queer issues, and

– promoting visibility of the Queer community.

Our vision is to create a thriving, diverse Queer community and a community of allies at one of the leading Catholic universities in the state.”

Yeah, totally in keeping with Catholicism! And here’s a shocker, no, I don’t think that the “gay” lifestyle or equality should be promoted on a Catholic campus. It’s a contradiction of what a Catholic university should be. 

“Feminist Theology” & general diversity? They’ve got them covered too. https://stthomas.campuslabs.com/engage/event/3279392

In fact, “Doctrine of Diversity” has taken the place of Catholic doctrine here.

St. Thomas Mission Statement:

Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good.

In accordance with its mission, members of the university community are expected to advance the common good. This goal is most often accomplished through the normal activities of university students, staff, faculty, and administration. However, extraordinary means of expression and demonstration may be warranted when social problems become urgent and when ordinary actions are regarded as insufficient. This policy is intended to create a space for expression and dissent within boundaries that protect the rights and safety of all community members.

St. Thomas Convictions of Dignity and Diversity:

We respect the dignity of each person and value the unique contributions that each brings to the greater mosaic of the university community.

We strive to create a vibrant diverse community in which, together, we work for a more just and inclusive society.

The university is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge by means that respect the dignity and diversity of all. Dissent – defined as disagreement or withholding assent – is vital to the authentic pursuit of higher education. Therefore, members of the university community have the freedom to express diverse points of view without intimidation through expressions and demonstrations that do not infringe upon the rights of others.

Oh, let’s not forget their Student Diversity & Inclusion Services:

Mission & Services

The Student Diversity & Inclusion Services office exists to enhance the campus climate and holds deep commitment in developing and sustaining a diverse campus community in the broadest sense including differences in gender, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin, and physical ability, through programs and initiatives aimed at UST students. Our work is based on four pillars: education, leadership, advocacy, and community.

So, it appears the Catholic identity of this school was gone long ago. The students who smashed the statue for whatever reason? They’re just acknowledging it. Personally, I’d love to know the motive. So far, it’s been glaringly absent from all accounts I could find. Whatever it was, it resulted from a lack of belief in the Catholic faith for one reason or another.