More Notes of Support

Dear President Lyons,

I am currently a student at USD from the class of 2014. Since day one, I
have always been so proud to be a part of the USD community but never
have I been more proud to be a torero when I saw that USD was allowing
PRIDE to host a drag show.

I am gay and still half way in the closet. I have recently struggled
with being gay and thoughts of taking my own life never seem to
completely leave my mind. But this event gives me so much strength and
hope that I plan on completely coming out within the next 2 weeks.

Although I would not personally participate in a drag show, this event
has proven to me what an inclusive campus USD is and gives me hope for a
better future on campus and in the world. I have learned that everyone
is different, whether it be a person's race, social class, sexual
orientation etc. And being different isn't wrong. We are all human. We
are all children of God.

I just wanted to express my gratitude for allowing this event on campus.
I know not everyone may agree with the decision you made, but I can
guarantee you that it was the right one. I cannot thank you enough for
what this event has done for me.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

---

Dear President Lyons,

It has come to my attention that USD will be hosting several
LGBT friendly events this month and that there has been an unfortunate backlash
against this. Having attended USD, I am forever grateful to the University and
to the Catholic community at Founders Chapel for inspiring me, for directing me
in my faith and for giving me the freedom to question, learn and experience new
ideas, cultures and people. I would like to thank you, President Lyons, for the
work you do, not only with these events, in supporting an inclusive community that
upholds the Catholic traditions of universality and love. Jesus loved purely,
truly and without limits and I am pleased and thankful to see USD striving to
create this environment of love and inclusion rather than one of distrust and
exclusion. I hope to hear more news of this tradition continuing not only on
our campus but across the country.

May God be with you,

--

Dear Dr. Lyons:

I am writing
as an alumnus to thank you for your support of making USD a safe and inclusive
environment for all it's students. I am aware of the negative feedback the
University has received from some alumni about on-campus programming that is
LGBT-friendly. While they are entitled to their opinion, I would like you to
know that this Torero is very pleased to see my alma mater take these steps. I
only wish they had happened while I was a student on campus.

Under your
leadership, the University has made significant advancements on numerous
fronts. All of them make me proud to have attended USD, but none make me as
proud as the steps taken to make the campus more welcoming to students of color
and those who are LGBT. I hope you will continue this work and know that many
of us stand with you in full support.

Sincerely,

Alum, Class fof 2000

--

Dear President Lyons,

As an alum of
USD Class of 2010, I appreciate the way in which you worked to make USD an
inclusive and welcoming place for all sorts of people. I am now a first
year law student at UCLA, and my classes here have shown me that the importance
of exposure to diverse people cannot be understated. Thank you for
holding strong in the face of criticism.

Best,

--

Dear President Lyons and the USD Administration,

I have recently been informed of some unfortunate comments from former USD
alumni and other individuals regarding LGBT friendly events at USD. I
wanted to personally reply to you as a USD alumna from the class of 2007 to say
thank you for the work you are doing to ensure USD is an inclusive institution,
committed to respecting people of all races, sexual orientations, religions,
and any other minority grouping. I take enormous pride in having gone to
a school that fostered values of equality and respect in all human kind.
USD has repeatedly stood up in the face of injustice to support individuals who
have been mistreated and has taken a stand against injustice across the world
supporting student-led initiatives and fundraisers. While attending USD,
I found the diversity of the student body crucial to my education, the school's
respect for all cultures, religions, and peoples fundamental to my growth as a
human being, and the inclusive community fostered by these beliefs proof of
USD's commitment to the values of respect and empathy. That USD continues
to support minority groups struggling to ensure their rights are not breached
is a testament to the foundation of the school's values and our strength as a
community. It is unfortunate that certain individuals did not take those
important lessons to heart while attending USD. However, as a former alum, I
will continue to speak highly of USD and to donate to the school as it
continues to face adversity head-on. I appreciate all you have done to
ensure USD is a safe place for everyone who attends. Please keep up the
good work.

Best,

B.A. class of 2007

--

Dear President Lyons and USD Administration:

I am a USD alumna, class of 2007. After hearing about a particular USD
alumnus becoming upset that USD is supportive of LGBT groups hosting events on
campus, I was compelled to write to disagree.

The fact that
USD is a Catholic school that truly lives Christ's message of showing love and
kindness to everyone--no matter their race, religion, socio-economic
status, or sexual orientation--was the reason I chose to go there. I
loved that the university was supportive and welcoming of my LGBT colleagues
and friends. That is was makes USD a nurturing community that fosters the
best education and instills the most meaningful values.

Please
continue to build an inclusive and diverse environment on USD's campus.
That is the foundation that USD graduates need to grow into the best
citizens, workers, and community members.

--

Dear President Lyons and the USD Administration,

I would like
to express my sincere gratitude as a senior and upcoming Alumni of USD for
supporting PRIDE and the events that are taking place. This support is what
makes USD an inclusive place for every member of the USD community.

Thank you
again,

--

Dear
President Lyons,

I am a USD
alum, class of 2006, and was recently made aware of some of the negative
reactions to the University's decision to host a series of educational events
relating to LGBT issues. I am saddened by the aggressive and hateful reactions
that have been voiced by some members of our community, and would like to thank
Associated Students and PRIDE, and commend USD for sponsoring diverse events
and educational opportunities even when they are controversial. I am proud to
see USD become an ever-more inclusive community, and hope that you will
continue to give a voice to any and all students seeking to create a forum for
dialogue on any issues, particularly when those issues are tied to questions of
human dignity and social justice.

Thank you for
putting into action the university's stated mission and vision to create a
diverse and inclusive community.

Regards,

Alumna Class
of 2006

--

President
Lyons,

Thank you for
continuing to stand in support of your students. I am sure that the stones cast
by those in their own insecurities and closed-mindedness are hard to
bare. Please know that myself, and many of my fellow alumni who I have
discussed this with, support the protection and inclusion of all students.
Perhaps with continued education and support, future alumni will continue your
example of displaying the good Christian values of love, inclusiveness, and
non-judgement.

Thank you,

--

Hello President Lyons,

Thank you for
continuing to support and encourage acceptance of all peoples on campus,
regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, gender, or sexual orientation. As an
alumna of the University of San Diego and member of F.U.S.O., A.S., the United
Front, various crews for SEARCH and more, and I am happy to see continued
progress in the range of events offered for students, and more recently, the
workshop and Drag Show sponsored by PRIDE.

I am a
Catholic, a Heterosexual, and a friend and ally of PRIDE. I applaud the
USD community for providing opportunities for Toreros to learn, grow and love
our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, just as He loved us. And
through my time at USD, through my Catholic foundation, I've learned to
continue to love and pray for all, even those filled with hate and judgement in
their hearts.

On this
Easter Sunday, we are reminded that God sent His only son to die for us to show
His unconditional love for ALL His people. May blessings to you during this
Easter holiday.

I am both
saddened and enthused to write the below on what I believe to be the holiest of
days.

Saddened
that we are struck with such a frustrating reality nearly
two millennia after Jesus' teachings of love, equality, reverence and
respect for all people. And we do find ourselves amid a frustrating reality, no
matter how out of place or senseless it may seem – even in an era, a society
that has done so much to adhere to said wisdom.

At the same
time, I am enthused – enthused to offer my thanks and congratulations to the
University of San Diego for continuing to follow these teachings and treating
each student with the respect and love that they deserve.

It is
confusing and perhaps, upsetting, to believe that any high school senior
entertaining university has any reservation toward an institution holding
inclusiveness to such high regard. If this was the case, we should consider
this issue from all angles. What about those few with disposition toward
Mexican-Americans, blacks, the disabled or the lower-class?

What about
those few with disposition toward the pious, the political, the intelligent,
the athletic? What about those few with disposition toward the rich, the
influential, the privileged? Shall I continue?

Lest we
forget how much work USD does in the community-at-large. I’m interested to know
what these members think of the current situation we find ourselves in. Surely,
they cannot be expected to support a university that is welcoming to any and
all. Surely. That is clearly an unreasonable ask in 2012.

I would not
be the man I am today had it not been for the opportunity presented to me by
this institution. Granted, USD is not without erring. There were times when I cursed
and yelled and stomped my feet in the halls of administration and classroom
buildings alike. But, nine times out of ten, there were people there to help me
find a solution and even, provide me comfort. There were people there to bestow
patience, build me up, and even, make me smile. There were people there to
remind me of the love and openness that I so loved about the "White Castle
on the Hill." The name almost makes me laugh now. No matter how distant
the property may have seemed, the university was never removed from the
progression of the community around it.

It makes no
difference who those people were. Although, I do find it interesting
that as I reflect, I recognize the majority of those people were in fact,
members of a community in question - a community that garners unwarranted
issue, a community that does not deserve seething phone calls and emails, but
the same love, equality, reverence and respect that Jesus preached.

With that, I
hope that the internal USD community continues to follow these teachings, and
in effect, teach us all something in the process.

Warmest
regards,

--

A few friends have forwarded articles to me about backlash you're receiving for
approving recent LGBT events on campus. So I wanted to take a minute to write
in support of them and thank you for continuing USD's tradition of creating an
inclusive environment for everyone. I'm an alum (2006 business school) and have
very fond memories of USD and the friends I made there. It would break my heart
to hear that you stopped allowing events for any type of group simply because
donors disagree.

So thanks
again for your support and please keep it up!

--

Dear President Lyons and the USD Administration,

My name is XX class of 2008. I studied mathematics and physics, and am a member
of Phi Beta Kappa. I was also a member of the Club Ultimate Frisbee team.

I am writing to thank you for giving me a great 4 years as a Torero. Secondly,
I want to thank you for providing a place where I could feel accepted and
appreciated as a student and as a human being. One of the primary reasons I
loved USD (and am proud to have attended) is the truly pure academic
environment. To elaborate, I always felt that the University's foremost values
were the pursuit of knowledge, both worldly and of the self, and to provide a
forum for unique individuals from all backgrounds to come together in an
academic communion - to share of themselves, and to take from others, in an
environment where the means of currency was the sharing of ideas and
experience. I loved that USD was a place where I could be myself and express
myself, without any pressures, even while I was defining who that person was.

I would ask that you continue to give current and future Toreros the same
freedom; the freedom of both of though and action, and provide an environment
where students can explore the academic world and be unafraid to express and
enjoy themselves, and partake of the true University experience, regardless of
their race, gender, or sexual orientation. In short, I hope that USD will
remain a fierce defender of its students who participate in and support the
academic environment I described in the preceding paragraph.

--

Dear President Lyons,
I would like to voice my appreciation for your continued support towards the
LGTB community at USD. It pleases me to know that although some have threatened
to pull donations, you have elected to allow every member to have their voice
heard.
As a member of the class of 2002, I am happy to see that the efforts started by
PRIDE during my years at USD have not stopped.
I am proud to know that at USD, Catholic Social Thought is not just something
on paper that is said to be part of the strategic goals; we can see it in
action.
Sincerely,

Class of 2002

--

President Lyons,

I just wanted to send a note of thanks and appreciation. Personally as an
alum from the class of 2005, I am happy to learn that USD is becoming a more
inclusive university and allowing all students to express themselves. I think
it's great that the University is supporting the GBLT community and allowing
PRIDE and AS to host numerous events including the drag show coming up this
week.

I hope the University continues to support all students and foster an inclusive
community.

Regards,

Class of 2005

--

Dear President Lyons,

As a graduate
of the University of San Diego, I greatly appreciate your efforts to plan and
execute the first ever Drag Show. I am excited to see students come together to
celebrate and educate how amazing and diverse the LGBT community is. It is
inspiring to hear how passionate the students have been to make this event
happen amongst the negative talk and actions taken by our own members of the
USD Community.

As someone who
has not come from any religious background, I believe in an inclusive
environment where all are welcome no matter their race, gender, class, or
sexual orientation. I came from a high school where being openly gay is
considered a sin and an outcast and many times have I
witnessed degradation towards those who are proud for what they are.

That's why I
loved being a student at USD. USD welcomed everyone with open arms and
encouraged self-expression. And I have met the most amazing people from the
LGBT community whom I will never forget because of their bravery and courage to
never be anyone else but themselves.

I'm not a
Catholic, but if I have learned anything from my four years in attending this
university it is that our goal in life should be loving and compassionate human
beings. It is shocking to see alumni and students who oppose the event spread
hurtful messages. How is that being a loving and compassionate
"Christian"?

Therefore, I
stand with you and the rest of the USD community on your decision to continue
promoting and executing this event to foster a safe and inclusive environment
for students to express themselves as God made them to. And
you can count on me to be standing in the crowd to cheer on PRIDE.

Thank you,

Class of 2010

--

Dear President Lyons,
I am a USD Alum and former rower on the Men's Crew team; I graduated in 2007. I
wanted to send you my support and thanks for continuing to make USD an
inclusive place for every member of the USD community, including those of all
sexual orientations.
By the way, I am heterosexual. I feel very strongly about keeping USD an open
and welcoming place for people of all races, religions, and sexual
orientations. Fostering a diverse student population is tantamount to fostering
a more rich educational experience.

Sincerely,

--

Dear President Lyons,

My husband and I are alumni and graduated in 2001. I recently received
an email regarding the LGBT friendly events that will take place on
campus, and the negative responses coming from other alumni. I wanted
to share my APPROVAL and thanks for hosting this event at USD. I have
also made my first donation ever as a symbol of my support for this
event.

Regards,

Class of 2001

--

Dear President Lyons,

It has come to my attention that USD Pride's scheduled events are coming under
attack. To see such hateful comments is quite distressing and is not following
the teachings of God, Jesus, or the Catholic church.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for staying true to USD's core
values and "creating a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative community
accentuated by a spirit of freedom and charity, and marked by protection of the
rights and dignity of the individual." It is thanks to people like
you, who are willing to stand up for everyone, that my time at USD was such a
positive experience.

It is a shame that the haters behind these attacks are unable to find God's
love in their own hearts. As you are forced to deal with the venom these
minions of hate command, please know that there are many, many alums out there
who are pleased to see USD's commitment to equality for all, without exception.
Jesus would approve.

With all my support,

Alumni, Class of 2002

--

Dear President Lyons,

I graduated
from the University of San Diego in 2003. I would like to first say that I was
involved with the committee that helped interview the Presidential candidates
the year you were chosen... you were my choice, and I stand by that decision
today. Thank you!

While
attending U.S.D. I was very engaged with the university community as a member
of student senate, an active member of the United Front Multicultural Center
(and president's council), President of Pride and a Rainbow Educator. I was
also a resident assistant my senior year. And I'm a lesbian.

I learned a
lot about myself at U.S.D. and a lot about my Catholic counterparts. I'm so
glad I had the opportunity to learn that to be Catholic does not inherently
equal close-minded and hateful, which is what I had come to learn prior to attending
U.S.D. I met many loving Christians who a) were not trying to save my soul, b)
were not trying to change me c) loved me for who I am. It was the mission of
the school that drew me there, and it was the people that kept me there. I
enjoyed a happy alliance with University Ministry and enjoyed my religion
classes.

I want to
thank you for supporting the students of Pride and the drag show that will be
taking place. It is events like these that while they take place often outside
of the campus environment without incident, send a message to the students that
all identities are respected and valued.

Thank you for
being a positive force- not only for the members of Pride, but for all of the
other U.S.D. students that can reap the rewards of a university that respects
ALL students.

Sincerely,

--

Dear President Lyons,

Earlier this week while browsing Facebook I learned about a drag show organized
by PRIDE at USD. Curious, I clicked to read more, hopeful that the post
would reveal a campus that over the 8 years since I graduated has continued to
make progress towards being truly inclusive. I learned that the drag show
was one of a few events designed to facilitate a conversation & awareness
of gender identity. I was so incredibly proud to learn of the
administrations decision to approve the events. It is unfortunate that
this has caused division in the wider USD community, and the hateful comments
it has generated from some individuals are simply heartbreaking.

USD truly provided me with a holistic education and strengthened my Catholic
faith- so much so that I decided to add Theology & Religious Studies as one
of my majors. As a freshmen entering college, I was at a crossroads with
my faith development. This was mainly because I was so frustrated that
many Catholics and Christians could profess such hateful views of some minority
groups, especially the GLBT community. Wasn't this contrary to the
message of the Gospel? Didn't God create us in God's image, and all
creation is good? Isn't God's love unconditional? How could people
obsess so much over homosexual activity and be completely accepting of casual,
premarital sex, or adultery? I was hyper-aware of the hypocrisy, and it
pained me and overwhelmed me. I didn't want people to assume that because
I was Catholic, I was anti-gay. I have friends from the Catholic high
school l attended and at USD who are gay, and have always done my best to be a
strong ally to the GLBT community. But I wished there were more
opportunities for me to show my support during such challenging times as high
school & college, when individuals are learning to accept themselves, and
seeking acceptance from others. Surely if I struggled with seeing some
Catholics being hateful towards the GLBT community, the pain this caused my
GLBT friends and classmates was greater and often hidden.

Then in the Spring semester of my freshmen year I learned about Catholic social
teaching. I learned how as Catholics, we are called to support and
embrace the LIFE & DIGNITY of EVERY person- that this is the core tenant of
CST- and that we are called to especially love and support the
marginalized. Not only because Jesus taught us this over 2000 years ago
(which I knew), but also because it is the current teaching of the modern
church. Thoroughly exploring Catholic social teaching, and learning how
we are called to have it inform our actions renewed & restored my
faith. This was a Catholic Church that I could identify with and be proud
to be part of. Similarly, I am very proud to be a Torrero, especially as
the USD community takes important strides towards inclusion, and the
administration helps to foster that.

On this Good Friday, we are reminded that Christ died for us because he loves
us- unconditionally- and that we are called to love others as God loves
us. I am thankful for your role in building a campus that promotes
acceptance and inclusion and gives witness to loving others as God loves us.