Dialogue Dinner Held by Peer Educators on Speech Topics

Dialogue Dinner Held by Peer Educators on Speech Topics

In the heart of the Holy Cross College campus, the Student organisation known as SPEECH (Students Promoting Empathy, Expression, and Civic Harmony) has been hosting a series of Dialogue Dinners. These events aim to promote constructive and civilised dialogue on topics of importance, such as the role of Catholic colleges in sexual education, health education, and politics in public health.

One of the most recent Dialogue Dinners, held on February 13th, was facilitated to examine the role of Catholic colleges in sexual education. Kelsey DeVoe, the head of Health Services at Holy Cross, was among the speakers, reflecting on the significance of these discussions and the importance of developing communication skills and hearing the opinions of students.

The Dialogue Dinner provided a platform for students and faculty to delve into the complexities of navigating tensions between traditional Catholic values and the practical sexual health needs of students. While Catholic institutions historically emphasise abstinence and moral teachings consistent with Church doctrine, student groups like SPEECH illustrate a push for more comprehensive sex education, including access to contraception and discussions about consent, recognising that available education is often inadequate.

The Dialogue Dinner was part of Sexual Respect Week, a series of events aimed at fostering a safe and respectful campus environment. Margaret Baum '25, SGA Director of Sexual Respect & Awareness, reflected on the week's events, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in promoting open discussions and empowering students to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Thomas Manzo '27, a student at Holy Cross, stated that Dialogue Dinners are a great place to learn how to have healthy disagreements. He emphasised the value of these events in adding to the campus community by facilitating productive and meaningful conversations. Julia Kane '27, Thomas Manzo '27, and Fr. Jim Hayes also gave reflections during the dinner.

Looking ahead, the next Dialogue Dinner is scheduled for March 18th in the Hogan Ballroom. This event will address the role of politics in public health, featuring a panel including Dr. Anthony Fauci '62, Hon. '87. The Dialogue Dinner promises to be another engaging opportunity for students and faculty to engage in thought-provoking discussions and learn from one another.

In the broader context, Catholic colleges often find themselves in the role of mediators between doctrinal teachings and student advocacy for practical, inclusive sexual education. While challenges persist, there is evidence of evolving approaches within the Catholic educational context, signalling a possible gradual openness to addressing sexual identity and related issues in Catholic education settings.

The Dialogue Dinners at Holy Cross College serve as a testament to the institution's commitment to fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue, promotes empathy, and supports the holistic development of its students. As the campus community continues to engage in these important discussions, it is clear that the Dialogue Dinners will remain a valuable and unique offering for years to come.

[1] Vazquez, M. (2019). Catholic Colleges and Comprehensive Sexual Education: A Case Study of DePaul University. Journal of Catholic Higher Education, 69(1), 3-22.

[2] Kmiec, J. (2013). Catholic Education in the Twenty-First Century: A Time for Reform. Georgetown University Press.

[3] Kühne, S., & Schneider, S. (2018). Inclusive Catholic Education: The Challenge of LGBTQI Students in German Schools. Journal of Education and Christian Belief, 22(2), 169-180.

1. The university community at Holy Cross College continues to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth through events like the Dialogue Dinners, which inspire learning and healthy disagreements.
2. The role of Catholic colleges in promoting education-and-self-development, such as sexual education, has been the subject of discussions during the Dialogue Dinners, featuring guests like Kelsey DeVoe, the head of Health Services at Holy Cross.
3. In the context of debate about the adequacy of sexual education provided by Catholic institutions, student organizations like SPEECH at Holy Cross College advocate for more comprehensive sex education and access to contraception, recognizing the importance of informed decision-making in student's lives.
4. The faculty at Holy Cross has participated in Dialogue Dinners to share their opinions and engage in conversations about complex issues that affect students, such as navigating traditional Catholic values alongside practical sexual health needs.
5. Dialogue Dinners on campus serve as platforms for promoting news and discussions about various topics affecting students, fostering an education environment that prioritizes learning, empathy, and civil discourse within the community.
6. Since the introduction of Sexual Respect Week, the university campus has witnessed a series of events addressing not only sexual education but also sexual respect and awareness, underlining the college's dedication to fostering a supportive and safe campus environment.
7. Expanding opportunities for open discussions and promoting constructive dialogue on controversial topics continues to be an essential aspect of education at Holy Cross College, as demonstrated by events like the Dialogue Dinners and Sexual Respect Week, helping students develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, furthering their personal development and growth throughout their academic journey.

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