Thank you for responding, MSC! On behalf of the 700 + alums concerned about this issue, we first want to remind you we love you and come at this with the intentions of preserving the community we know and love. The language of the policy has unintended consequences of students, particularly LGBTQ students, to feel cut off or disconnected, and thus pained by the policy. We acknowledge we do not know the reason for the policy and that is a main concern, as noted in our official statement (see below). We are criticizing the policy’s existence and language, not the reasoning behind the decision. We stand critical of the impact, not the intent. We are wanting and willing to dialogue about this and help Mount fulfill its mission to serve students that meet Mount’s academic standards. Please contact one of us for more questions Official Statement for the Press For Immediate Release WHO: Concerned Alumni of Mount Saint Charles Academy WHAT: Relating to transgender student policy in the Mount Saint Charles Academy Handbook, 2015 WHERE: Woonsocket, RI We, the alumni of Mount Saint Charles, are deeply disappointed by the policy provision by the Mount Saint Charles Academy administration in the 2015-16 Student Handbook that refuses admittance for transgender students based on a lack of undefined accommodations. This policy also notes that current students who identify as transgender will be unenrolled. We were previously un-aware of the policy; this week it became widely shared on social media and came to our attention. Mount Saint Charles has always been an incredible pillar of support for so many students. Many alumni give Mount credit as the formative experience in their lives that has led to success in the greater community. Actions like this seem wholly uncharacteristic of the institution and do not speak to the principles of Mount’s mission of valuing and treasuring each student. Furthermore, we are also concerned as to what “accommodations” means, as it is undefined in the policy. There are solutions to explore beyond outright expulsion and refusal of admittance, from physical accommodations like putting in a family bathroom or social accommodations like creating a safe environment for all students, regardless of differences. Over 600 alumni have already come together to speak out against this action. The alumni behind this belief love Mount Saint Charles and are speaking out from a place of concern. 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 decision. Julie McBrien'06, Samantha Ward '06, Dante Tavolaro '07, Alicia Bissonnette '08, Ryan J. Glode '08, and Nick Martin '08