Overview

• Saint Mary's College, a Catholic women's college in Indiana, has announced a policy change to consider applicants who 'identify as women', including biological males, starting from fall 2024.
• The decision has sparked backlash from current students, alumni, and social conservatives who argue that the policy contradicts the college's Catholic mission and its identity as a women's institution.
• President Katie Conboy has defended the policy, stating that Saint Mary's is not the first Catholic women's college to adopt such a policy and that it aligns with the college's commitment to operate as a Catholic women's college.
• The policy change was quietly updated in June and was made public through an email from President Conboy to the faculty.
• The college has previously faced criticism over transgender issues, including denying the foundation of a Turning Point USA chapter because the conservative group's messaging on biological sex didn't 'align' with the mission of the Catholic college.