San Francisco’s Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory school has agreed to reprint yearbooks for the entire student body this year. The school battled criticism last week after removing senior Jessica Urbina’s portrait, claiming the tuxedo she wore defied school dress code policy.
The decision comes on the heels of a social media campaign organized by Urbina’s brother in her defense. On Thursday, hundred’s of Urbina’s classmates arrived at school sporting colorful ties in support of her gender nonconforming senior portrait outfit.
The private Catholic school’s President John Scudder Jr. and Principal Gary Cannon responded to the controversy in a lengthly apology letter on Monday, affirming that they will reprint the yearbook including Urbina’s photos and change the dress code policy to “support our students who are navigating issues of gender identity.”
“We agree with our students who showed solidarity with their classmate that the current policy regarding senior portraits is not adequate to meet the needs of our families or our mission,” the statement said. “Given the nature of this specific case, we believe that decision, while conforming with our policy, was wrong. Moreover, the lack of communication with the family led to even greater anguish.”
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Furthermore, officials have said they will support Urbina’s “choice of clothing for graduation and end of the year ceremonies.”
Dakotahgeo
This case. together with the Catholic-owned States who have now accepted Marriage Equality, should tell the Roamin’ Catholic Church that they are outdated and will no longer be the powerful fascists they once were. NOW… to clear the SCOTUS of these cultist extremists!!! Onward and upward!
Harley
Good luck with telling the Roman Catholicks ANYTHING.
Maude
WOW! A Catholic High School.That is a major triumph!
Dakotahgeo and Harley, Be nice. Accept your triumph with dignity. Don’t spike the ball.
toberlin
Good for Jessica Urbina,but why the Catholic Church manages again to make out of a good Thing (Love,Friendship,Support,Civil Courage)a freaky Thing(“we support our Students who are navigating Issues of Gender Identity).She is not the one with the ISSUE…
aequalitasTN
I bet this policy reversal sent the drunk-driving, prop 8 crafting Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone into a fit of rage, especially since this is his cathedral’s prep school.