Ibrahim Gardner
Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Catholic university in Steubenville, Ohio. The university has been criticized for its stance on homosexuality and for offering a course that lists homosexuality as deviant behaviour. The course description has drawn criticism from gay alumni and the only social work accreditation council in the US, which has questioned the program's accreditation. Despite this, the university maintains that it treats homosexual persons with respect and compassion while upholding Catholic doctrine. Additionally, the university has introduced a ministry called Integratis, which aims to provide a community for students experiencing same-sex attraction and living in accordance with the Church's teachings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University name | Franciscan University of Steubenville |
| University type | Private Franciscan university |
| Location | Steubenville, Ohio, United States |
| Number of students | 3,750 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Number of degree programs | 40 undergraduate and 8 graduate degree programs |
| Student body | Majority Catholic |
| Mascot | Baron von Steuben, an 18th-century gay icon |
| Course controversy | "Deviant Behavior" course lists homosexuality as deviant behavior |
| Ministry | Integratis, a ministry for students struggling with same-sex attraction |
| Accreditation | Granted exemption from Title IX in 2014 to discriminate against LGBT students |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The university's course description of homosexuality as deviant behaviour
The Franciscan University of Steubenville has faced criticism for its course description of homosexuality as deviant behaviour. The course in question is a social work class called "Deviant Behavior", which includes homosexuality alongside murder, rape, robbery, prostitution, mental illness, and drug use as examples of deviant behaviours. This description has drawn criticism from gay and lesbian alumni, who have asked the university to change it. They argue that homosexuality should not be considered deviant and that the description puts gay students in the same category as criminals.
In response to the criticism, the university has defended its use of the term "deviant" in the course description. They claim that the term is used in a sociological sense to mean "different from the norm" and that the course covers a wide range of topics, including heterosexual deviance. The university also states that it follows Catholic Church teachings regarding homosexuality and treats homosexual persons with respect, compassion, and sensitivity while holding homosexual acts as "intrinsically disordered".
The controversy has led to questions about the accreditation of the university's social work program. The Council on Social Work Education, the only accreditation agency for social work education in the U.S., has diversity requirements that include sexual orientation in its standards. The council's director of accreditation, Stephen Holloway, raised concerns about the inclusion of homosexuality as deviant behaviour, stating that understanding diversity is critical for social workers to effectively work with diverse populations.
While the university faces external criticism, there are also internal efforts to support LGBTQ+ students. Two recent graduates, Brittany Bain and Manny Gonzalez, founded Integratis, a ministry for Catholic students who experience same-sex attraction and/or gender dysphoria. This officially recognized ministry provides a community for Franciscan students who want to live in accordance with the Church's teachings on homosexuality and chastity. Integratis seeks to foster authentic friendships and provide a space for students to process their experiences and find fellowship.
Discover Taylor University's Student Population
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The university's accreditation being questioned
The Franciscan University of Steubenville's accreditation has been questioned due to its controversial stance on homosexuality. The university has been criticised for its "'Deviant Behavior' social work course, which lists homosexuality alongside behaviours such as murder, rape, robbery, prostitution, mental illness, and drug use. This classification has sparked outrage among gay alumni, who have requested that the course description be changed. They argue that homosexuality has been removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and should not be considered deviant.
The controversy surrounding the course has led to scrutiny of the university's accreditation. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the only social work accreditation body in the US, has raised concerns. CSWE's accreditation standards include a commitment to diversity and the inclusion of sexual orientation. Stephen Holloway, the director of CSWE's office of accreditation, stated that identifying homosexuality as deviant behaviour is concerning and contradicts the importance of understanding diversity for effective social work.
In response to the backlash, Franciscan University defended its course, stating that it uses secular sources with timely research findings and solid sociological analysis. The university clarified that the term "deviant" is used to describe behaviours that differ from the norm and that the course covers a range of topics, including heterosexual deviance. Additionally, the university asserted that it follows Catholic Church teachings, treating homosexual persons with respect, compassion, and sensitivity while considering homosexual acts intrinsically disordered.
The university's explanation, however, has not satisfied the gay and lesbian alumni, who continue to express dissatisfaction. They argue that the course description puts gay students in the same category as murderers and rapists, creating a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. The controversy has sparked discussions about the university's overall approach to LGBTQ+ issues and the well-being of LGBTQ+ students on campus.
It is worth noting that Franciscan University of Steubenville has a history of reforms to restore its Catholic heritage. The university has received exemptions from Title IX, allowing it to legally discriminate against LGBT students. Additionally, in 2018, the university addressed past allegations of sexual misconduct by clergy and non-clergy employees, demonstrating a commitment to campus safety and the well-being of its students.
Applying to University of Toronto: A Guide for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The university's stance on homosexuality
Franciscan University of Steubenville is a private Franciscan university in Steubenville, Ohio, United States. The university's student body is majority Catholic, and the university claims to enrol the largest number of students majoring in theology, catechetics, and philosophy of any Catholic university in the United States. The university was established in 1946 and has since undergone several name changes.
The university has been criticised for its stance on homosexuality. In 2012, a course description for a social work class on "deviant behaviour" listed homosexuality alongside murder, rape, robbery, prostitution, mental illness, and drug use. This description drew criticism from alumni and the media, who felt that the university was equating homosexuality with criminal behaviour. In response, the university stated that it follows Catholic Church teachings regarding homosexuality, treating homosexual persons with "respect, compassion, and sensitivity" while holding homosexual acts as "intrinsically disordered". The university defended the use of the term "deviant", stating that it was used in the sociological sense to mean "different from the norm".
In 2022, the university debuted a ministry called Integratis, aimed at providing a community for Catholic students experiencing same-sex attraction and living in accordance with the Church's teachings on homosexuality and chastity. The ministry was founded by two recent graduates, Brittany Bain and Manny Gonzalez, and has since doubled in size, including 20 current students.
As a result of its stance on homosexuality, the university has faced questions from the Council on Social Work Education, the only accreditation agency for social work education in the U.S. The council's accreditation standards include a commitment to diversity, including sexual orientation, and it has raised concerns about the university's course description linking homosexuality with deviant behaviour.
University of Phoenix: Fraud or Education?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The university's ministry for students struggling with same-sex attraction
Franciscan University of Steubenville has come under fire in the past for its stance on homosexuality. The university's social work course on deviant behaviour included homosexuality alongside murder, rape, robbery, and drug use. This course description has drawn criticism from the LGBTQIA+ community and the only social work accreditation council in the U.S.
Despite this controversy, the university maintains that it treats homosexual persons with "respect, compassion, and love," while adhering to Catholic Church teachings that view homosexual acts as "intrinsically disordered." In an effort to support LGBTQIA+ students, two recent graduates, Brittany Bain and Manny Gonzalez, established Integratis, a ministry officially recognized by the university. This ministry aims to provide a community for Catholic students experiencing same-sex attraction while upholding the Church's teachings on homosexuality and chastity.
Integratis was established to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ Catholic students who may feel isolated or struggle with their sexual identity in a religious context. The ministry offers weekly community nights to foster authentic friendships and a sense of belonging. It also organises Mass and prayer nights twice a semester, creating a space for members to come together in their faith.
The university's Office of Evangelization Director, Bob Lesnefsky, supported the creation of Integratis, recognising the importance of addressing the issue rather than sidestepping it. He worked with Bain and Gonzalez to develop the ministry's structure and programming, ensuring it aligned with the university's Catholic values.
Father Paul Check, a leading expert on the Catholic Church's teachings about homosexuality, has also spoken at the university. He emphasised the importance of ministering to those with same-sex attraction with love and compassion and providing education on human virtues, communion of love, and chastity. The university aims to convey a sense of hope to students, helping them fulfil their desires while distinguishing between authentic desires and those that veer off course.
Duke University: Financial Aid for International Students?
You may want to see also
The university's mascot being a gay icon
The Franciscan University of Steubenville has been criticized for its stance on homosexuality. The university's "Deviant Behavior" social work class lists homosexuality alongside murder, rape, robbery, prostitution, mental illness, and drug use as examples of deviant behavior. This has sparked backlash from LGBTQ+ alumni and accreditation councils, who argue that such a classification is offensive and outdated. In response, the university has defended its course, stating that it presents both secular and Catholic perspectives to prepare students for working with diverse clients.
Amid this controversy, it is intriguing to note that the university's mascot, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, is believed by historians to have been an openly gay figure in the 18th century. Von Steuben, a Prussian military officer, played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, particularly in transforming the Continental Army into a disciplined force. His legacy is commemorated through the athletics program at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he serves as their mascot.
The irony of a conservative Catholic university adopting a likely gay historical figure as its mascot has not gone unnoticed. Von Steuben's status as a potential gay icon adds a layer of complexity to the university's stance on homosexuality. While the university upholds Catholic doctrine, which considers homosexual acts as "intrinsically disordered," the choice of mascot introduces an element of contradiction.
Some alumni and commentators find humor and delight in this revelation, seeing it as a form of queer representation within an orthodox Catholic institution. They embrace the idea of an 18th-century gay icon challenging modern-day conservative ideologies. However, it is unclear if the university selected von Steuben as their mascot with knowledge of his sexual orientation or if this aspect of his life was intentionally overlooked.
Regardless, the intersection of von Steuben's historical significance, his possible LGBTQ+ identity, and his role as a mascot for a conservative Catholic university creates a fascinating dynamic. It invites further dialogue and reflection on the complexities of religious doctrine, institutional values, and the evolving understanding of LGBTQ+ histories.
Hearing Students at Gallaudet: How Many?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, it is not. The university has been criticized for its stance on homosexuality, with a course description listing homosexuality as deviant behavior. The university has also been granted an exemption from Title IX that allows it to legally discriminate against LGBT students.
There is an unofficial Facebook group for gay and lesbian alumni. Additionally, there is an officially recognized ministry called Integratis, which provides a community for students experiencing same-sex attraction and living in accordance with the Church's teachings on homosexuality and chastity.
The mascot is believed to be an 18th-century gay icon, Baron von Steuben.
