Saint Anne’s School (the “School”) is committed to providing a school and school-related environment that is free from any behaviors that directly or indirectly threaten the physical or emotional well-being of any of our students. No such behaviors will be tolerated and are subject to the imposition of serious consequences, at the discretion of the principal and in some cases with the consultation of the pastor and or DRVC Education Department. Threatening behaviors shall include, but not be limited to, the following: inappropriate touching, inappropriate language, sexually suggestive words or actions, harassment, bullying and abuse. Threatening behaviors are prohibited, on and off School grounds, among members of the School community. For illustrative purposes only, and without any limitation regarding other threatening behaviors, examples of harassing behavior may include unwanted physical contact, foul language of an offensive sexual nature, sexual propositions, sexual jokes or remarks, obscene gestures, displays or pornographic or sexually explicit pictures, drawings, or caricatures, or language that is otherwise sexually suggestive. Use of the School’s computer or electronic systems or of private electronic media, for the purpose of engaging in any threatening behavior between or among any members of the School community is subject to this policy. All students and School personnel are expected and required to refrain from any threatening behavior and are expected and required to abide by this policy, including its reporting requirements.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre
Department of Education
Fr. Matthew Browne
School Handbook Updates 2023
Updated Transgenderism Policy
Transgenderism: Catholic School Guidelines for Gender Identity
Rationale:
At the heart of a Catholic Education, a unique educational charism is the integral formation of the whole human person. The Church instructs us:
Since true education must strive for complete formation of the human person that looks to his or her final end as well as to the common good of societies, children and youth are to be nurtured in such a way that they are able to develop their physical, moral, and intellectual talents harmoniously, acquire a more perfect sense of responsibility and right use of freedom, and are formed to participate actively in social life.[1]
Because a child’s formation includes the integrity of body, spirit, and moral development, Catholic schools have a proper concern for each student's behavior and development in the complex area of human sexuality. The Catholic Church strongly holds that human bodies are gifts from God and temples of the Holy Spirit.[2] All men and women are called to a life of chastity appropriate to their vocation as single, married, or consecrated religious. The Church defines chastity as "the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being.”[3]
Any student who participates in any level of Catholic Education is expected to strive to live a life of virtue guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church in accord with God’s plan for us in all aspects of their lives as they prepare to receive the Sacraments. Our diocesan pastoral and policy practices are written in fidelity to the moral guidance and teachings of the Catholic Church in all areas that touch on human life and dignity. Our parish establishes an environment of encouragement, mercy, healing, and love to accompany its members as we journey on the path toward holiness.
As such, the proper understanding of human sexuality requires personal integrity and full integration of body and soul as created male and female by God. According to the Church, "the chaste person maintains the integrity of the powers of life and love placed in him. This integrity ensures the unity of the person; it is opposed to any behavior that would impair it.”[4]
1. Guidelines
Behaviors that are contradictory to Catholic morality and the expectations of our faith formation program includes expressing a gender that is discordant with one's biological sex. Our school will interact with students, volunteers, staff, teachers, and administrators according to their biological sex as based upon physical differences at birth. A member of the school community who wishes to express a gender other than his or her biological sex is understood as operating outside of the “reality deeply inscribed within.”[5] Assisting the person in his or her disconnect with this reality, however sincerely experienced, by agreeing to participate in any efforts to change natural gender expression is contrary to the pursuit of truth. Authentic love, a gift of the self for the good of the other, requires that we compassionately dwell in the truth and assist those we love to do the same.
Our school recognizes that occasionally there may be instances where young people experience dissonance between their biological sex and the roles and norms advocated by society.[6] Some young people might feel drawn to dress, act, and even manipulate their physical bodies in ways contrary to God's plan. Our school advocates that young people, working with their parents, bring these types of issues to their pastor as well as to other trained professionals who might best assist them in clarifying and defining issues of self (and sexual) identity in accord with Catholic teaching and God's natural plan. The school’s pastoral and counseling services are available to all members of the school community. All school administrators, staff, counselors, and volunteers will, as ministers of the Church, pastorally and appropriately represent the teachings of the Catholic Church in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law as interpreted by the Diocesan Bishop.
2. A Pastoral Response
We encourage a pastoral approach that seeks to find a balance between recognizing the person and staying true to the mission of the Church. This calls us to learn how to communicate with parents, students, and the public in a way that is respectful while at the same time being clear about our teachings about human sexuality, creation, and the human person. Therefore: