Notre Dame University President has defended the school’s decision to sponsor a drag queen show, citing “academic freedom” and “freedom of expression” as the grounds for their support.
The event, which is part of a one-credit course on the history of drag, has drawn criticism from students who believe it degrades femininity.
The University President’s response stated that while they defend freedom of expression, speech that threatens violence or constitutes harassment is not tolerated.
Notre Dame Admin Defends University-Sponsored Drag Show Under The Guise Of ‘Academic Freedom’https://t.co/Wi1UZiDzvp
— The Federalist (@FDRLST) October 26, 2023
University President John Jenkins told those upset about the event that it’s a matter of “academic freedom.”
“We defend this freedom even when the content of the presentation is objectionable to some or even many,” the letter read.
“The event you reference is part of a one-credit course in Film, Television and Theater on the history of drag, and the principle of academic freedom applies.”
The event is co-sponsored by multiple departments and programs.
Over 400 people have emailed the university in opposition, and students are planning a rosary rally in protest.
The Rover’s editor-in-chief Nico Schmitz wrote a plea to “Students, faculty, and staff who care about preserving Notre Dame as an authentically Catholic institution [to] make their voices heard on the matter.”
He wrote that by the university “supporting lies about the human person — lies that say men can be women and that a minstrel show of femininity is a legitimate art form — the university is not only actively working against her mission, but permitting irreparable damage to its community and image.”