Following a report on GoLocalProv that Mount St. Charles Academy in Woonsocket “is unable to make accommodations for transgender students” and therefore “does not accept transgender students” or “able to continue to enroll students who identify as transgender,” a group of former students, Concerned Alumni Against Mount St. Charles’s Trans-Exclusive Policy has issued the following statement:
“We are deeply disappointed by the decision by the Mount Saint Charles Academy administration to include a provision in their 2015-16 Student Handbook that refuses admittance for transgender students based on a lack of undefined accommodations that has come to our attention this week. Mount Saint Charles has always been an incredible pillar of support for so many students, current and alumni alike. Actions like this seem wholly uncharacteristic of the institution.
“Furthermore, we are also confused as to what ‘accommodations’ means, as it is undefined. There are solutions to explore beyond outright expulsion and refusal of admittance. Over 600 alumni have already come together to speak out against this action.
“We love Mount Saint Charles and what it meant to us. The community that is fostered there is meant to be one of love, respect, and support. That is what we were taught. We do not take provisions like this lightly. We want to protect and preserve the community that made every student feel safe and supported. This is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come together to push past our differences. We look forward to speaking further with administration to find a resolution to this painful decision.”
The group is comprised of former Mount St. Charles Academy students Nick Martin, Dante Tavolaro, Alicia Bissonnette, Ryan Glode, Samantha Ward and Julie McBrien.