Rejected Lesbian Arts & Sciences Dean Candidate Was Supporter of Transgender Week At Seattle University

From The Spectator, March 18, 2009, a story about a rather controversial event on the campus of Seattle University: transgender week.

The article records some of the objections of more conservative Catholics, such as Cardinal Newman Society president Patrick J. Reilly.

And then turns to a key supporter of the event.

Jodi O’Brien, sociology professor and department chair, has focused her recent research on the transgender community. She believes, as a Jesuit university, there is an increased responsibility to highlight transgendered students because it is an issue of social justice.

“While I can acknowledge the concerns of some Catholic organizations, I think it is misplaced in this case,” O’Brien said. “I think that this week is consistent with SU’s practice and dedicated history of activism that addresses all forms of social injustice.”

O’Brien also cited the catechism as a defense against Reilly’s statements.

“The catechism makes it clear that we are expected to educate ourselves and act with awareness toward people experiencing injustice or social exclusion,” she said.

She said this would largely include the transgendered population.

“Any self-described good Christian who gets to know people who are marginalized learns quickly that these are people of God,” O’Brien said.

Had she come to Marquette as Arts & Sciences Dean, would she be pushing the same thing here?

Hat Tip: an e-mail correspondent