By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor
The Mary Statue – Photo by Gionna Bean
Aquinas College is a Private Catholic College—its very name reflects its roots in the teachings of Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Dominican friar and priest and influential theologian. Founded by Dominican sisters, the college has maintained its Catholic identity throughout its history. However, not all students who attend are Catholic, raising an ongoing question: To what extent should the teachings of the Catholic Church shape campus policies?
Established in 1886, Aquinas College did not develop a functioning peer ministry until 1990, and it wasn’t until 2016 that a campus chapel was built. This evolution suggests that while the college has always been Catholic, it continues to grow and adapt—both in its infrastructure and its policies.
One particularly debated topic is the Church’s stance on homosexuality. Specific interpretation of the Bible within the Church informs the common Catholic teaching that homosexuality is considered sinful. However, this view is not universally accepted, within the Catholic faith and other religions. This ongoing disagreement has caused tension between groups on campus for years.
In 2017, a viewing of Desire of the Everlasting Hills, an anti-LGBTQIA+ movie which highlights celibacy as the only appropriate lifestyle for LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, took place on campus. The decision to show the film was not agreed upon by the administration as a whole. Dr. John Pinheiro, head of the Catholic Studies Department at the time, requested that the former Provost, Dr. Stephen Barrows, approve the showing of the movie. The Provost agreed, stating that it was acceptable. However, he later acknowledged that he was unaware it would be such a sensitive topic on campus. Many students were confused, while others were upset.
Now alumna, Emma Wonsil, stated in an interview with The Rapidian that during a Student Senate meeting, “[w]e even suggested that we have another viewpoint presented, such as someone who was both Catholic and embracing their identity as person within that community, because this movie presents celibacy as the only option. Dr. Pinheiro rejected that idea immediately, and as the meeting time wound down, the event was only changed to have counseling and pastoral care available.”
A similar issue arose recently when, on Sept. 26, 2024, the head of Creative Dining Services was alerted to a small Pride stick flag displayed in the Moose. About a week later, it was removed. After hearing the concerns of students around campus, a compromise was made that LGBTQIA+ paraphernalia could be worn on one’s person, and flags could be displayed, but only within AQ Pride’s designated space.
These incidents highlight the challenge of balancing Aquinas College’s Catholic identity with the diverse beliefs of its student body. Every student has paid—in one way or another—to attend Aquinas College and has the right to feel safe while pursuing their education. Events like those mentioned above can make students feel targeted and unsafe on campus. Yet, Aquinas is still Catholic. Does this mean the teachings of the Church should come first, regardless of the beliefs of the students?
Part of Aquinas’ Stations of the Cross – Photo by Gionna Bean
“I do not think it is oppressive for school policies to reflect Catholic teachings,” freshman Trista Cridler, an active participant in campus ministry said. “I don’t think everyone should be required to practice the faith to go here, but I do think that if you are angry with the school for enforcing Catholic beliefs in its policies, maybe you should have considered that before choosing to attend a religious institution.”
While Catholic teachings are not meant to divide individuals, events like the Pride flag removal have, at times, unintentionally created tension. Ultimately, the question is not just about policy but about identity—both the college’s and the students’. As Aquinas College continues to evolve, the conversation around faith, inclusivity and student well-being remains as important as ever.
The Saint 