Smiths parents also drove the four hundred miles to meet with the dean, hoping to encourage him to take the charges against their daughters rapist seriously. Her point is absolutely credible and relevant. It took about a month to find a solution, which given the resources for the investigation, makes perfect sense considering theyre not a team of forensic scientists with knowledge of legal prosecutions. Sounds great. I dont understand the logic of protecting the identity of the alleged rapist and meanwhile running the names of college faculty through the mud for not somehow preventing a rape that occurred on a mountain and for not expelling a student for a rape that went unreported for a year and a half with no evidence. Vol. It is sad, and I think a lot of us wayward ones may have a hard time reconciling the fond memories with our current disdain for the Church. A journalist should protect his good name until he is proven guilty, but the school should not? Contact the Site Admin. She implored [her brother] Peter to continue to live in Front Royal and to visit the campus often because she felt so unsafe., Scott Smith states in his letter that he left messages for nearly a week before he was able to arrange to speak to the dean, and that the telephone conference was disquieting.. In 2015, Christendom was left off of President Barack Obama's College Scorecard, which was created to help high school graduates pick schools. What parent would not yank their child from that situation immediately? The cost of the chapel is estimated to run approximately $13.5 million, with an additional $13.5 million allocated to the endowment and the remaining $13 million going to the annual fund. Addressing the first tier of SRT, individual racism, Christians should be on guard against secular teachings that provide extra-biblical definitions of sin. There was one guy who was self-insulated to the point where he was delusionally hostile toward everything "worldly". One professor was quite emphatic than women are less rational, and when I got upset about that well, naturally he put that down to my lack of rationality, plus perhaps a dash of pride. It must have been completely devastating. National Congress On The Word Of God: A Two-Edged Sword By WILLIAM H. MARSHNER. Its not that a policy would prevent the problem but rather that it would provide grounds for discipline within the schools jurisdiction. We care if you drink off campus, but not if you rape off campus, she said. 240: Challah round the world. There was always a (subtle enough that it could be gaslighted away if you tried to talk about it) sense that women just dont matter as much at Christendom. But then into your mind jumps the thought no, I wanted to be married. Therefore I found you responsible for the violation of Harassment.. i grew up Novus Ordo and so did all my friends at Christendom. Exactly as DCNM said: NOT QUOTED OR DESCRIBED. Sure. Recently, one of the priests who was a major force on campus has charged with rape of a mentally-ill woman. If they had to leave public areas to show affection, then they might as well go to the prettiest. The guilt I still carry from a year there was crushing - it was constant write ups for dress code, curfew violations because of my off campus job etc. . There was that one time I got a booty call from an upperclassman with a key to the administrative building. Unfortunately sometimes the police are notified and when they investigate the alleged crime they find out that everything does not add up as the accuser states it happened. Thats just scratching the surface. Even if an investigation were not able to definitely prove the guilt of the accused, if the college authorities were to make a prudential judgement that the accuser was guilty or, at the very least, was a potential safety threat, they could have expelled him (with a full refund) without giving any reason or giving a generic reason . Just to hold hands, theyd go off campus for a date; and by off campus, it could in be in the woods, or in a field down the road. How can young people be prepared to succeed and keep the Faith in such a world? The spirituality they relentlessly pushed never really clicked for me, though I always told myself it was my fault for not Jesusing harder, for not totally surrendering myself to a God Who wasn't really interested in talking back. So she drove them down the mountain and back to campus. Anyway, campus police are a whole different bear. Like that has never happened before on a less stringent campus. The college also acquired the Notre Dame Institute during O'Donnell's tenure. Im sorry, but your logic is misconstrued here. The reporting alleges/implies that young women arent safe at Christendom, that the university has an ongoing culture of assault and harassment toward women which is accepted by the community, and that the University doesnt help women who have been raped. I would go to the only cafe in town, and hed be sitting outside. They have a right to speak about the crimes committed against them. Good job trying to romanticize rape, but your writing would be more appropriate in a pornographic novel, where creeps actually try to convince themselves women enjoy being raped. It would do a lot to restore peoples faith in the institution. Never, under any circumstances, admit that it was a complicated process that involved implementing a parallel judicial system. The school has a very thorough policy in place, and anyway, this was not in Christendoms jurisdiction, so their hands were legally tied in their dealings regarding the actual rape. "[25], Over the years, the college has also received praise from political leaders in the United States. Yes, the prosecutor has to prove BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT the guilt of the accused. And, of course, they could have gone for a walk down the road if all they wanted was to hold hands. And it is these serious issues which led the Fishers to dedicate a great deal of time and energy into researching and writing this article. In speaking with our counsel, it is my understanding that under Virginia law, the doctrine of in loco parentis as applied to colleges and universities simply means that Christendom has a responsibility to provide a safe campus for its students. Which they could now do on campus anyway. For the unfamiliar, Christendom is a small conservative-Catholic liberal arts college in Front Royal, VA. Its intended mission is to equip Catholic students to 'restore all things in Christ' (though you can guess how well that turned out with me). Glad to hear everyone still hates those fountains. Have you seen the alleged rape rate at those colleges that DO accept federal funds?? All graduates of the undergraduate college are awarded a bachelor of arts degree in one of the following fields of study: The Christendom Graduate School offers masters-level courses with a comprehensive grasp of the Catholic faith, preparing students for advanced graduate studies and for various ministries in the Catholic Church, according to the school's website. [15], The total financial assets have increased by 440%, and total plant costs have increased by 397%. Your charity is overwhelming. The school decided to implement internal juridical means for determining the truthfulness of rape allegations outside of the civil process. Why insinuate the government is going to do it better. Your experience is absolutely not inconsequential, in any way, on any level. I went there for four and a half years, and my experience was the opposite they were *really* hard on sexual issues, and pretty lenient on the drinking. It is getting totally repetitive, but here goes: Hes not going to fall for that. higher education Discover more about Christendom College Others Named Mark Fusco Mark Fusco Account Executive at Black Kite Mark Fusco The first amendment offers incredible protections for shoddy journalism like this piece offers. I was that fallen woman, and I didnt want my parents to see me that way. Our time-tested integrated liberal arts education is the ideal education for the future. However, I avoided the professors whose reputation for being ultra-trad proceeded them as much as possible. That is degrading to both sexes. It is not uncommon, either. The message delivered was clear, according to Smith. It felt like a human zoo.. Help me fund this site and get access to my and my husbands occasional podcast and other perks. Smiths grades continued to slide, and her mental and physical health suffered as students and even outsiders, people she didnt know, would approach her in the dining hall to talk about the ordeal. Smith skipped many classes her sophomore year, unable to endure being in the same room with him. But by not questioning the accused on the matter of rape (it wasnt mentioned in his disciplinary notice), the college forfeited responsibility altogether. No, they simply made the decision not to accuse someone of a violent felony with zero evidence. I dont think beyond reasonable doubt is a necessary criterion in such a situation. While not commenting on this particular scenario, it got me musing (once again) on the whole problem of sexual assault and the current #metoo movement. This would be a situation in which shed be even less safe as the university would literally have no leverage over him. Have girls refuse to be allowed in cars with boys, since it requires cars to go to Skyline Drive? reads as if composed by a hypnotized 5 year old. Our culture promotes chivalry and kindness towards everyone at Christendom. Founded in 1977 in response to the devastating blow inflicted on Catholic higher education by the cultural revolution which swept across America in the 1960s, Christendoms goal is to provide a truly Catholic education in fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and thereby to prepare students for their role as lay apostles to restore all things in Christ. But he did take it away from her, she says. There was that one charismatic guy who transformed everything into spiritual warfare. Sure, they could get threatened by the student with a lawsuit, but accusations of rape could then be brought up in court, and such accusations are much easier to prove in a civil suit, so there would be protection for the college. Your email address will not be published. No means no. For the unfamiliar, Christendom is a small conservative-Catholic liberal arts college in Front Royal, VA. Its intended mission is to equip Catholic students to 'restore all things in Christ' (though you can guess how well that turned out with me). I propose for your consideration numerous scenarios of young women and men wherein even if the woman is saying no with her voice, her body language is communicating something entirely different. I've got one that's somewhat similar. I remember clearly two instances where a professor I respected and a male friend who I valued told me to my face that women were inferior in ability and authority to men and ought to accept that. Now though, I can confidently say I turned it around. Carroll decided not to accept federal funding at the college, choosing instead to rely on generous benefactors. Absolutely, but leaders have to weigh the pros and cons, of which there are many, and seek the greater good. I know even as a young adult my guard was down, and I was vulnerable, as are so many others, especially when we have no reason not to be trusting. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. He may or may not be a rapist, but do you really want institutions denouncing a man as a rapist without a trial. Yes! We now offer both a men and womens monthly formation series that addresses mental health, healthy relationships, and other gender-specific topics. I went there to study with him, not go to Franciscan so much. My criticism of this article is blaming Christendom for not doing the same thing this article can not; openly accuse the man in question of rape. The only thing that will stop him is a clear splash of water in the face, a no different that all the others, or getting out of the car and running away. Friday Night Mandatory Lent Film Party, 2023 edition! If only for the sake of that important virtue diversity shouldnt there be ONE school in the country that has these rules for those who CHOOSE to attend? i Love this reply. I must charitably assume (another term I learned there) this must have been chaste, but it still looked extremely odd. After what felt like hours, he left. The college was criticized for in the past not including rules against sexual assault in their handbook, while not offering any idea on what is now included in the Christendoms policy on sexual assault. This actually hurts good people doing their best to make the world a better place every day. How come more worldly girls get raped too?Even from your writing it seems that Christendom did stand up from inside when Miss Smith felt comfortable telling her Theology! . Racist remarks by Los Angeles City Councilmembers overshadow years of These are very serious accusations, and the reporting does not match the seriousness of those charges. I've got. Not quoted or described? Christendom College was founded in response to this cultural revolution, providing a fully integrated liberal arts education in fidelity to the Magisterium of the Church. 238: Deep in the heart of New Hampshire, Whats for supper? So I pinned all my hopes for justice on my Catholic, conservative college, to uphold moral principles., So she went to the then-dean, Jesse Dorman, and reported the rape and subsequent harassment. I understand the argument that Christendom had their hands tied due to the lack of criminal prosecution. Consent is not nebulous. In The Sin of White Supremacy: Christianity, Racism and Religious Diversity in America (Orbis, 2017), Jeannine Hill Fletcher, Ph.D., professor of theology, examines theology's culpability in perpetuating ideas that elevate both Christianity and whiteness over all else. Ya got me! Christendom is not perfect, as far as I can tell, they are doing the best they can to foster an environment of spiritual and educational growth. The irony is not lost on me that the one institution that offered any solution, band aid solutions they may be, is also the one institution least responsible for the event, and the one thats being blamed the most. you are correct about the implications. The fact that a rapist actually had to go off school grounds to do such a thing says a lot about how the school conducts itself. The idea of being torn apart in court by someone with a law degree, and it being in the paper, was too much for me to imagine. You are correct on what the report alleges and implies. hope youve finally found happiness as well. It is alleged that a professor offered an example about Adele in class in an effort to smear her, however multiple students have come forward to say that his example was being used many, many years before Adela even attended the university, so it couldnt have been about her. In 2013, after Smith had graduated from the school, she again downloaded the student handbook and was aghast to see there was still no language forbidding sexual assault by students. Their donations requests are a joke. So you end up having couples potentially isolate themselves. We do have a great deal of responsibility. That was not how my parents were, but sex assault is unique crime. Sexual assault happens to 1-6 women. If he was accused again in the future, the record would help support that accusation. The two students in the article drove past a large number of public places where they could have held hands or kissed. That often results in rapists going free and never even getting charged for lack of evidence. [23][circular reference] The Guide, which seeks to defend and promote Catholic higher education,[24] calls Christendom "a national model of faithful liberal arts education and Catholic formation. . I dont doubt that injustices have been done in the past and will be done in the future: this is a fallen world. All it did was push people into secret places where chastity was more in danger. Rather, the incident apparently occurred in a national park several miles away from Christendoms campus, ODonnell wrote in his letter to Scott Smith. There is no thrill in rape. The last thing Christendom needs is a kangaroo court that believes everything that comes out of accusers mouths. Front Royal Police told her it was out of their jurisdiction, since it had happened in a national park. The point has also been made if a guy really is a rapist, do you think he would settle for PDA on campus anyway? are not understanding anything entirely, except this article provides good understanding yet. [45] This was the school's first 15s rugby National Championship title. . As a cis dude, I found the dress code obnoxious, but never harsh. In April of 2011, Smith decided to tell the police about the rape. While it is true that Cdom, as I understand it, expels people for far less, it is usually for things in which there is more evidence or for matters that are more in their jurisdiction. Smith herself says these rules drive couples off campus. Seriously how is this possible? Is hearing both sides unreasonable? Like the stuff sang at the FOPs. If the intent here is to correct inaccuracies rather than, as it appears to be, an attempt to discredit Simcha as a journalist then it would be appropriate to say what exactly was misleading or inaccurate in the original post(s). Is it worse to let a rapist remain on campus or expel an innocent student? From its founding, Christendom College has rejected federal funding. Same thing with the dress code. Rapists should be burnt at the stake, but only if the survivor immediately provides incontrovertible evidence of the rape happening and of the rapists identity, and if theres any doubt, we will give the alleged rapist a slap on the wrist and tell the survivor she should get over it. Aaaand we wonder why women dont immediately report their rapes. Holding hands, a warm hug, perhaps even a peck on the cheek totally sins against chastity. I mainly left because they wouldnt give tenure to the head of the sacred music department because he refused to teach the history of contemporary Christian music. Her article makes plenty of sense. Smith says the school claimed it takes a long time to implement changes in school policy. What is to blame there?? Thank you for this perspective. When she told a few of her friends that something had happened between them, he began circulating the story that she had seduced him and then regretted it. by | Oct 29, 2021 | peter hughes escape to the country | pinocchio's london road sheffield menu | Oct 29, 2021 | peter hughes escape to the country | pinocchio's london road sheffield menu The reason I posited a scenario where the college questioned both accused and accuser is so someone in a leadership position could hear the testimonies with objectivity and discernment and make a prudential judgement on behalf of the greater good of the community. It is not the victims terrible story that we dont believe, it is just the illogical conclusions that the author jumps to and the careless damage she is causing that are wrong. Smith texted her boyfriend the next day, saying she didnt want to see him again. Whose testimony is more consistent and believable? Gross means the opposite of minor. I cant get into grad school with my GPA. The other allegations against him were also by hearsay, and they put those allegations in writing and asked him to defend himself. This story was researched and reported by Damien and Simcha Fisher. Enjoy your freedom. She remembers standing outside the car, smoking a cigarette and shaking, and her boyfriend saying he didnt know why she was making such a big deal out of it. It is a Catholic college. The town has over 14,000 people, so the college isnt a large part of it. Ill be brief, and in no particular order, but: With this goal in mind, the College utilizes single-sex dormitories, visitation policies to promote chastity, planned weekly events as a way to proactively promote sobriety and counter any temptation toward a drinking scene, and spiritual programs to foster students prayer lives and spirituality.. I always find it interesting they always try to punish students for drinking off campus, if you come back to campus drunk, Smith said. Once the implication is in place and the false picture is painted, insert a link to to one of several things theyve done in order to cya. Is that whats happening right now?'. i believe that the world outside of CC understands that sexual assault has many./.. an infinite number of manifestations. She had no objection, as they had kissed before. Students werent forced off campus to have sex; they always found some place to do it, even if it was in a medieval dungeon. Ask any psychologist who works with seminarians how many enter the seminary struggling in a battle against pornography. It isnt nebulous. Rest assured, I've cast off my own self-imposed shackles; it's much easier to approach the world and the people in it without worrying that they're not living up to Catholicism's impossible standards. And I think the criticism of the PDA policy is quite apt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theyre usually published in any article Ive ever read regarding assault. I wasn't really prepared for the amount of raw heresy I was surrounded with. In the 1990s, Reverend William Saunders became president of the Institute and moved it to its present location in Alexandria, Virginia, in addition to leading it to full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

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