No Home under the Dome

Strategy -

Members of the University of Notre Dame and South Bend communities will meet outside the gates of the University of Notre Dame at 11:30AM in order to set up and organize. The protesters will gather in a uniform that symbolizes how current University policy regarding homosexual persons creates an atmosphere that encourages silence, ignorance, and intolerance.

The intended uniform will include blue jeans, a white top (over other layers if need be), and a line of rainbow tape covering the one's mouth (similar to the current NOH8 campaign in California).

The group will stand in silent solidarity to represent the implicit silence surrounding the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community and such issues at Notre Dame.

Reasoning -

With regards to the current state of affairs, much debate is circulating concerning marriage equality of LGBT people. Yet, as the Supreme Court decides the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the University of Notre Dame still fails to guarantee legal protection to LGBT people with regard to discrimination. Currently, the University of Notre Dame is the only top-20 university to neither include "Sexual Orientation" in its non-discrimination clause nor provide a Gay-Straight Alliance for its students.

Although this issue was addressed by the University in 1997, the result was the creation of the "Spirit of Inclusion" and the eventual formation of the Standing Committee on Gay and Lesbian Student Needs, now know as the Core Council for Gay and Lesbian Students. Although the "Spirit of Inclusion" is a noble attempt by the University to promote non-discrimination, the document does not provide any legal recourse to the LGBT community. Additionally, the Core Council is limited to 12 elected members and is not a student-run group.


Theological Perspective - Adding "Sexual Orientation" to the University of Notre Dame's Non-Discrimination Clause


Catechism of the Catholic Church

"The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided," (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2358).


Always Our Children- Pastoral Letter from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Respect for the God-given dignity of all persons means the recognition of human rights and responsibilities. The teachings of the Church make it clear that the fundamental human rights of homosexual persons must be defended and that all of us must strive to eliminate any forms of injustice, oppression, or violence against them (cf. The Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, 1986, no. 10).

It is not sufficient only to avoid unjust discrimination. Homosexual persons "must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2358). They, as is true of every human being, need to be nourished at many different levels simultaneously. This includes friendship, which is a way of loving and is essential to healthy human development. It is one of the richest possible human experiences. Friendship can and does thrive outside of genital sexual involvement.



By reviewing the Catechism of the Catholic Church with the Pastoral Letter from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, it becomes apparent that the avoidance of unjust discrimination is not enough; the University must actively prevent forms of discrimination based upon sexual orientation. Therefore, as the most prominent Catholic University in the country, it is our duty to lead by example and place "sexual orientation" within the University's non-discrimination clause.

Contact- As this is a community effort, we welcome and encourage any questions, comments, or advice. Please contact NoHomeUnderDome@gmail.com