Catholic university dismisses professor for exposing students to abortion doula
Catholic University Fires Professor for Inviting Abortion Doula Who Used Controversial Language
In a shocking turn of events, Catholic University of America has terminated the contract of a professor who invited an abortion doula to speak during a mandatory lecture. The decision came after the doula, Rachel Carbonneau, used terms such as ”birthing person” and “seahorse births” to refer to transgender individuals giving birth.
University president Peter Kilpatrick expressed his disappointment in an email to the campus community, stating, “Now that we have clear evidence that the content of the class did not align with our mission and identity, we have now terminated our contract with the professor who invited the speaker.”
Audio recordings obtained by The Daily Wire revealed Carbonneau’s use of controversial language during her lecture. She repeatedly referred to individuals giving birth as “birthing persons” instead of using traditional terms like “mother” or “woman.” When questioned about her choice of language, she defended her work with transgender clients.
Carbonneau even went as far as describing a transgender man giving birth as a ”seahorse birth,” drawing a comparison to the marine species where males carry out the birthing process. She seemed enthusiastic about this concept, stating, “We call it seahorse birth, it’s lovely. Especially when it’s a water birth. Fantastic.”
The university took swift action, not only terminating the professor who invited Carbonneau but also ensuring she would not be allowed to address the class again. Kilpatrick emphasized that her views on life issues and the anthropology of the human person were not consistent with the university’s Catholic identity.
The incident has sparked outrage among the Catholic University community. Spokesperson Nicole Germain expressed the university’s dismay, stating, “The Catholic University of America was appalled to learn about reports regarding this guest speaker. The guest speaker will not be speaking again to the class, and we are re-communicating the terms and expectations for all outside speakers.”
Controversial Reading Assignment
Reading assigned to Catholic University students discussing the use of the term “pregnant people” to be inclusive to transgender men. (Credit: Courtesy)
In addition to Carbonneau’s lecture, students were assigned a reading that discussed the term “pregnant people” as a way to be inclusive of transgender men. The reading explained that trans men and nonbinary individuals with ovaries and a uterus can also experience pregnancy, hence the use of the term “pregnant parent.”
During the lecture, Carbonneau revealed that she has advised pregnant mothers to have elective abortions. She acknowledged the controversial nature of her work, stating, “I am an abortion doula as well, and I know I’m at Catholic University. I was a student here myself, so I know that carries a lot of weight.”
The university’s decision to terminate the professor and disallow further engagement with Carbonneau reflects its commitment to upholding its Catholic values and ensuring that all speakers align with its mission and identity.
What does the incident at the Catholic University of America reveal about the tensions between academic freedom, free speech, and the values and mission of religious institutions
Ampus again in the future. The decision was met with mixed reactions from the university community, with some applauding the swift action taken by the administration, while others expressed concerns about academic freedom and free speech.
The controversy surrounding Carbonneau’s use of language stems from the ongoing debate about gender identity and the terminology used to include transgender individuals in discussions about pregnancy and childbirth. While some argue that using inclusive language is important to recognize and respect the experiences of transgender individuals, others believe that it undermines the significance of biologically-defined roles and erodes traditional definitions of motherhood.
For a Catholic university, such as the Catholic University of America, the use of terms like “birthing person” and “seahorse birth” in relation to pregnancy and childbirth is highly controversial and goes against the teachings and beliefs of the institution. The Catholic Church holds a steadfast position on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death and considers abortion to be a grave moral evil. By inviting an abortion doula who uses language that challenges these beliefs, the university felt that its mission and identity were compromised.
President Peter Kilpatrick’s decision to terminate the contract of the professor who invited Carbonneau reflects the university’s commitment to upholding its Catholic identity and fulfilling its mission of providing a faithful Catholic education. In his email to the campus community, President Kilpatrick expressed his disappointment that the content of the class did not align with the university’s values, and thus, the contract had to be terminated.
However, the decision has raised concerns about academic freedom and free speech. Universities are meant to be spaces for intellectual inquiry and the exchange of diverse ideas. Some argue that by firing a professor for inviting a controversial speaker, the university is stifling academic freedom and preventing students from engaging in critical discussions about important social issues. They believe that a diversity of perspectives and the ability to engage with differing viewpoints are vital to the educational experience.
On the other hand, supporters of the university’s decision argue that there should be limits to academic freedom when it comes to upholding the values and mission of an institution. They believe that inviting speakers who espouse views that directly contradict the core beliefs of the university undermines its integrity and compromises the education it provides.
Ultimately, this incident at the Catholic University of America serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between academic freedom, free speech, and the values and mission of religious institutions. It raises important questions about the limits of academic freedom in a particular context and the responsibility of universities to uphold their core values. Finding a balance that respects both academic freedom and the values of the institution will remain an ongoing challenge for universities in the years to come.
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