The name of the organization is Allies.

Allies is a campus organization dedicated to creating humane campus environment for all persons regardless of sexual orientation. Members of Allies are committed to educating themselves and the campus community regarding issues related to homosexuality and bisexuality.

Inspired by the Jesuit educational ideal of being men and women for others, Allies seeks to ensure that the climate of Holy Cross fosters human dignity and mutual respect for all persons. Homophobia, defined as an irrational fear and hatred of homosexuals, is inconsistent with the mission of the College of the Holy Cross. Homophobia, like any form of discrimination, takes a significant toll on the ability of all persons to grow to their full potential.

Rationale

Homophobic behavior, which includes everything from physical violence and threats against gay, lesbian, and bisexual people to offensive humor and name calling, is unacceptable. Such behaviour leads to serious problems on campus, including: substance abuse, suicide, unwanted sexual experiences and inability to concentrate on work or studies. These problems affect all members of this community, whether we be homosexual, bisexual, and heterosexual.

Education about homophobia and efforts to eliminate destructive behaviors by corporations, government agencies, colleges, and universities is based on the premise that one can participate in such efforts and continue to maintain oneÕs own beliefs about human sexuality. It does not requirement the endorsement of any particular lifestyle. Commitment to create an atmosphere free of homophobic behaviors is fully consistent with Catholic teaching. In its letter to the Catholic Bishops of the US, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith states, "It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation É It reveals a kind of disregard for others which endangers the most fundamental principles of a healthy society. The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, action and in law."

Objectives

Allies shall educate themselves and the Holy Cross community by reading and discussing materials on homosexuality and bisexuality, sponsoring speakers and other public presentations, and seeking creative ways to foster heightened awareness of these issues.

Allies recognizes and respects the Catholic teaching on human sexuality, including the distinction made in Catholic teaching between homosexual orientation and homosexual acts. Allies will make a special effort to educate itself and the college community about the Catholic teaching and other theological reflections on homosexuality and bisexuality. Allies seeks to engage the entire community in dialogue about these matters.

Through education, Allies hopes to make the environment of Holy Cross safer and more supportive for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. In addition, Allies hopes to provide a voice for those who may be afraid to share their own voice. Allies hopes to work together with other interested groups Allies is a participatory group whose members share their ideas and concern and work together to fulfill their objectives.

Membership

All Holy Cross students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni/ae are eligible for membership

Membership remains open at all times

Allies does not discriminate on any basis

No person will be asked to identify his/her sexual orientation to the group or any member of the group

Allies encourages that the membership respect the privacy of its peers

Leadership

Allies is an egalitarian organization. We hope that all members will share their ideas and concerns so that together, we will participate in fulfilling our objectives.

Nevertheless, Allies is headed by a group of five executive officers that shall include two co-coordinators, a secretary, a treasurer, and a publicity chair.

The week prior to elections, those wishing to hold an office for the up-coming year shall submit a letter of intent to the present officers, who will draw up a ballot.

Members of Allies will then elect all five officers through a written ballot procedure at the next meeting

Moderator(s)

The Club shall have as advisor a moderator(s) who shall be a member of the Faculty or Administration appointed by the College. The Moderator(s) shall advise Allies on the programming and other activities. The Moderator(s) shall consult with the Director of Student Activities on these matters. The Moderator(s) shall be sent a copy of the minutes of each meeting; and the Treasurer shall send the Moderator(s) a copy of the regular statement of accounts as provided by the office of the Treasurer.

Meetings

Allies meets once weekly. Any other meeting times may be scheduled depending upon the needs of the group.