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Dear Vandy+Catholic Members,
As you may know, there has beensubstantial controversy lately surrounding the way the university is choosingto enforce its non- discrimination policy for registered student organizations(RSO) next year. In the past weeks, theUniversity has published a detailed explanation of what the policy entails (http://www.vanderbilt.edu/studentorganizations/). In order to register as an RSO for theupcoming year, the leaders of an organization are required to sign an affirmationform saying that the organization complies with the university’snon-discrimination policy. However, theadministration has stated that an RSO may not have faith-based requirements forleadership, even if it is a faith-based organization.
After much reflection, discussion, andprayer, we have decided that Vanderbilt+Catholic cannot in good conscience affirmthat we comply with this policy. Whileorganizational skills and leadership abilities are important qualifications forleaders of Vanderbilt+Catholic, the primary qualification for leadership isCatholic faith and practice. We are afaith-based organization. A Catholicstudent organization led by someone who neither professes the Catholic faith norstrives to live it out would not be able to serve its members as anauthentically Catholic organization. Wecannot sign the affirmation form and remain an RSO because to do so would be tolie to the university and to ourselves about who we are as an organization.
While this policy may change our statusas a registered student organization, it will not change our mission. We will continue to serve the Vanderbiltcommunity as a welcoming and faithful Catholic campus ministry, proposing JesusChrist in all that we do. In order to answerquestions and to receive input on how we can continue to serve you and thecommunity at large, we will be having a general meeting this Sunday (3/25) at 2 PM in the DivinitySchool Lounge. (sentence with directions). Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to serve you asVanderbilt+Catholic’s Leadership Board, and know that you are assuredly inours.
Yours in Christ,
PJ Jedlovec, President
Max Jones, Vice President
Cara Welker, Internal Secretary
Katy Biddle, External Secretary
Maddie Gray, Treasurer