LGBT+ Graduations Stir Debate at US Catholic Universities

Several prominent Catholic universities in the United States are holding separate graduation ceremonies and celebrations for LGBT+ students this year, known as lavender graduations. At least 20 schools, including Georgetown, Boston College and Fordham University, are preparing such events, according to Fox News.

The ceremonies are designed to celebrate the achievements of LGBT+ graduates separately from the main graduation ceremony and typically include special symbols, speeches, cultural events and social gatherings. Planned drag performances at Seattle University and a "Queer Prom" hosted after graduation at the University of San Francisco have drawn particular criticism.

The Cardinal Newman Society, a conservative organization, has accused the schools of promoting an ideology contrary to traditional Catholic teaching, arguing that such events undermine the identity of a Catholic education and may lead students toward attitudes that contradict church doctrine on sexuality and gender identity.

Several of those universities also hold separate graduation ceremonies based on students' cultural or ethnic identities.

(mja)