Catholic college stands by church teaching
BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College has rejected a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determination that it discriminated against women and retaliated against faculty members while filed an employment discrimination charge.
In a statement released Aug. 10, college officials refuted the claim that the college discriminated based on gender in its decision to remove contraceptive benefits from its faculty health coverage plan in accordance with Catholic teaching.
“Belmont Abbey College rejects the notion that by following the moral teachings of the Catholic Church we are discriminating against anyone,” said the statement. “We are simply and honestly exercising the freedom of religion that is protected by the Constitution.”
After a faculty member discovered that contraception, abortion and voluntary sterilization were covered by the college’s health care policy, the drugs and procedures were removed from the plan in December 2007. Though North Carolina requires this coverage, it offers an exemption for religious institutions.
“The teaching of the Catholic Church on this moral issue is clear. The responsibility of the college as a Catholic college sponsored by the monks of Belmont Abbey to follow church teaching is equally clear,” wrote college president Dr. William Thierfelder in a 2008 letter to faculty defending the decision.
“There was no other course of action possible if we were to operate in fidelity to our mission and to our identity as a Catholic college,” he wrote.
The case was thought closed when in March 2009 the college received a “Dismissal and Notice of Rights” determination letter from the EEOC, saying the commission was closing its file on the discrimination charge. According to the college, the file was closed because the commission was unable to conclude that the college’s decision to change the employee health plan violated the statutes.
“We were surprised to learn that the EEOC has now reversed itself,” the college’s recent statement said.
By denying prescription contraception drugs, the college “is discriminating based on gender because only females take oral prescription contraceptives,” wrote Reuben Daniels Jr., the EEOC Charlotte District Office director, in the Aug. 5 determination.
“By denying coverage, men are not affected, only women,” wrote Daniels.
The EEOC also determined the college retaliated against eight faculty members who filed charges with the EEOC by identifying them by name in a letter to faculty and staff.
“We have not — and will not — ‘retaliate’ against the faculty members who complained to the EEOC,” said the college statement.
The EEOC asked both the faculty and the college to work with it to reach a resolution. If the college declines to discuss the settlement or an acceptable settlement is not reached, the director would inform the two sides and advise them of the court enforcement alternatives available.
“We are disappointed that this matter has taken this very unusual twist, but we remain committed to ensuring that all of the college’s policies and practices follow the teachings of the Catholic Church, which includes valuing all life and treating individuals with dignity and respect, and providing equal opportunities for all,” said the college’s statement.
The statement said the college was confident its actions would be found in compliance with all federal and state laws and with the U.S. Constitution.
“Accordingly, the college will be asking the EEOC to reconsider each of the current determinations it has made in connection with the charges filed against the college,” it said.
“The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College,” published by the Catholic higher education organization the Cardinal Newman Society, has listed Belmont Abbey College as an example of a faithful Catholic college.
Article courtesy of The Catholic News and Herald
