By 
A few weeks ago, a high school student asked me if Carroll would be a good fit for them even though they aren’t Catholic. As a freshman, I would have given them a resounding yes, but four years later, I’m less sure.
As a senior, it’s easier to see how Carroll has shaped its policies and traditions to put Catholicism at the forefront. All students must take two theology courses, most of which are Christian-centric. Their housing policies are written “in keeping with the mission of the college” and do not allow, for example, students of different genders to live together if they are not married. There are several scholarships that can only be accessed by Catholic students and those who attended a Catholic high school.
We’re frequently reminded that Carroll is for Catholics. Prayers at events like graduation require that the non-Catholic Carroll community listen politely and silently while the Catholics have their moment.
These policies and norms permeate the culture and foster an environment that makes some students feel unwelcome.
Furthermore, these policies create an environment where it’s acceptable to push beliefs on other people. That environment permits inappropriate behavior from evangelizers even outside the Catholic faith.
I recently heard about friends of mine who were approached by other students in the STAC who asked if they could pray for them. In an effort to be polite, my friends, who are not Catholic, agreed. They were then subjected to a long-winded prayer that begged God to guide them to “the right path.”
Though my friends accepted the invitation, the “sermon” was inappropriate. The people who approached them were not aggressive, but they took advantage of my friends’ discomfort to tell them that their religious lifestyle was inadequate. Those students have every right to express their religion and even evangelize in the dining hall, but they must respect the right of their non-Catholic peers to have their own spiritual views as well.
These students were not part of campus ministry, and they were actually part of a non-Catholic group. The fact that they were from a non-Catholic group suggests that Carroll has created an environment where unsolicited evangelization from anyone is acceptable.
Upon discussing this editorial with other friends, similar encounters, where well-meaning students offered unsolicited and disapproving prayers, have happened several times in the last few weeks. This is a dangerous path, and one that could lead us to more aggressive and problematic behavior in lunchrooms, common areas, and classrooms.
“Saving” others often implies judging them, and judging one another will divide us. That growing division on campus is what prompted me to write this column.
Not all Catholic schools are like this.
I’ve been going to Catholic school since before I could walk. I wore a Missoula Catholic Schools logo embroidered on my chest everyday for 13 straight years!
But Carroll is the first place that made me feel like it was meant for Catholics, and only Catholics.
This feels like quite the misstep given that Carroll’s website notes that of those who reported, 45% of students are Catholic. When the majority of students are from other denominations, I think it’s vital that Carroll make more of an effort to be inclusive of non-Catholic or non-religious students – to warmly welcome everyone.
Non-Catholics are comfortable with a Catholic college that honors its religious roots, so long as it honors its promise to embrace people of all faiths (or no faith).
It cuts both ways.
Part of creating a welcoming environment is preventing a dichotomy between our Catholic students and everyone else. That goal demands a willingness from non-Catholics to be open to discussion. Catholics on campus are also frequently judged and confronted and we must shift away from that as well.
This acceptance of diverse views is essential for academics. When we discourage religious diversity, we risk limiting the ability of professors to educate on controversial religious issues. We also risk restricting what events and speakers we can have on campus.
(If you’re curious about the controversial cancellation of the 2020 drag show, please see the March 2020 issue of The Prospector.)
Appreciating our religious differences is critical to helping Carroll fulfill its mission of “not for school, but for life.”
After graduation, most Carroll students will end up in communities more diverse than Carroll and Helena in all ways. Therefore, it’s imperative that Carroll teaches its students how to engage in interfaith dialogue including complex conversations about our beliefs.
Done sensitively, such interactions strengthen everyone’s understanding of religion. Catholics benefit by answering questions about their faith, supporting their beliefs, and even questioning their religious leaders.
Non-Catholics have to be good listeners and be open, too.
Carroll’s mission statement reaffirms the need to embrace people of all faiths, including those of no faith.
“Carroll College welcomes in love and respect the full participation of other Christians and non-Christians in an ecumenical dialogue and in a truly humble and charitable joint venture in the common search for the Ultimate Truth and the Ultimate Good which is the final goal of all education.”
However, I question whether Carroll is living up to this noble mission.
Not all students agree with me. I know of many students who work hard to make everyone feel included, regardless of their faith background.
However, I argue that our campus policies, norms, and culture are making it increasingly difficult for Carroll to execute its goals.
This editorial is not meant to criticize campus ministry and other religious groups on campus and I’m not saying that Carroll needs to tone down its Catholic identity either.
On the contrary, part of the reason I came to Carroll is because I appreciate the value of a Catholic education.
Rather, I aim to draw attention to a sentiment that a lot of Carroll students share. Thus, I think Carroll must make an effort to maintain their Catholic identity without imposing it on their non-Catholic students.
Easier said than done.
Obviously, I don’t have the answers, but I think it starts with Catholics openly welcoming their non-Catholic peers and non-Catholics respecting the spirituality of the Catholics at Carroll.
Therefore, it’s not just about making non-Catholics feel welcome. It’s about how all of us can make each other feel welcome.
Editor’s note: This article has been edited to contextualize the incident in the STAC. The original indicated that the students responsible were part of campus ministry when that is not the case. We spoke to key people involved to ensure accuracy and balance. We apologize for the misunderstanding and encourage comments, questions, and letters to the editors to be sent to hbadaruddin@carroll.edu and gconnelly@carroll.edu.
