Catholic college’s ‘no contraceptives’ healthcare policy is discriminatory, EEOC charges

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Comments: 29

Dr. William Thierfelder

Belmont, N.C., Aug 11, 2009 / 03:09 am (CNA).- Revisiting a case that had been thought closed, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has ruled that Belmont Abbey College’s decision to remove contraception from its faculty health care policy, in accordance with Catholic teaching, discriminated against women.

After a faculty member discovered that contraception, abortion and voluntary sterilization were covered by the North Carolina college’s health care policy, the drugs and procedures were removed from the plan in December 2007. Though the state of North Carolina requires this coverage, it offers an exemption for religious institutions.

Explaining the decision to end the coverage, college president Dr. William Thierfelder had written:

“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. 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.”

Speaking in a Monday statement, the college said that in March 2009 it had received a “Dismissal and Notice of Rights” determination letter from the EEOC, saying that 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 statement said.

Reuben Daniels Jr., Director of the EEOC Charlotte District Office, issued an August 5 determination holding that that the denial of prescription contraception drugs constitutes discrimination based on gender “because only females take oral prescription contraceptives.”

“By denying coverage, men are not affected, only women,” he added, the Gaston Gazette reports.

The EEOC has also ruled that the college retaliated against faculty members who filed charges with the Commission by identifying them by name in a letter to faculty and staff. The Commission said that complainants should be protected by confidentiality.

“By disclosing Charging Party’s name, a chilling effect was created on Respondent’s campus whereby other faculty and staff members would be reluctant to file a charge of employment discrimination for fear of disclosure.”

The EEOC has asked both faculty and the college to work with it to reach a resolution, the Gaston Gazette says. If the college declines to discuss the settlement or an acceptable settlement is not reached, the EEOC director will inform both sides and advise them of the court enforcement alternatives available.

Responding to the EEOC’s latest determination, Belmont Abbey College said in a statement:

“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.”

The college expressed disagreement with the EEOC’s charges of discrimination and retaliation.

“The College is confident that its actions ultimately will be found to be in compliance with all federal and state laws and with the U.S. Constitution,” the college’s statement continued. “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.”

“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.

Comments: 29

Subscriber comments:

Published by: JSquared
Simpsonville, SC USA 08/27/2009 08:02 PM EST

I find it rather ironic the Abbey grad calls the college hypocrites and that they are breaking the law...that all Christians obey the law. Whose law are you obeying as a Christian? God respects the dignity of all human persons. You clearly have no concept what contraception does to a woman’s body. Maybe you are the one with the false ideologies. GODS LAW will ALWAYS prevail over mans law.

Published by: MJ
NC, USA 08/14/2009 11:02 AM EST

I agree, the state has no business in a truly Catholic school. However, Belmont Abbey is not a catholic school. It identifies itself as a non-religious institution in its tax papers so it can take advantage of state and federal monies. If they want federal and state money, then let them follow state and federal law.
If their dogma is more important than money, which it obviously is not, then let them give up federal and state money, and then create whatever policies they deem suitable. Until that happens, shut up and follow the law.
This is not even close to religious persecution.

Published by: Abbey Grad
Belmont NC 08/13/2009 01:07 PM EST

Rate: Regular

You are all hypocrites.... the fact remains that the Abbey is breaking the law... I thought obeying the law is what good Christians did? In order to legally do what they did they would have meet certain criteria in the state of NC, they meet none of them.
Stop trying to force your religious ideologies into other peoples lives. Thank God justice prevails over storm of religious zeal!

Published by: Rinda
UK 08/12/2009 11:24 AM EST

I will pray hard for Belmont College - and other Roman Catholic institutions - that the Holy Spirit and St Michael the Archangel will give them the courage to stand up to this persecution - which, let's face it, is what it is.

God's law is above man made law - but, having said that, when will Congress realise that the United States constitution is being twisted and violated before their very eyes and that it should be pointed out in no uncertain terms?

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, for those who have not recourse to thee, especially for the enemies of the Church and for those who are commended to thee.

Published by: bjcass
Mooresville,NC 08/12/2009 07:47 AM EST

This move by the Charlotte EEOC Office is a clear assault on the basic values of our faith.It had to be reviewed,deliberated and than action initiated against Belmont Abbey.The Obama Administration is obviously implementing a radical secular humanist agenda.We have reason to be deeply concerned.

Published by: Vin
ilion/ny/usa 08/12/2009 07:02 AM EST

I think it would be discriminatory for a truly catholic college (one like Belmont) is not available for those who do not want to attend a secular college (one that excludes religious considerations). Why is it that religious considerations are discriminatory and non-religious are not. Non-religion is a religion in inself. It is a belief system. No one should be pressured into it. I understand that the current trend is to abolish religion entirely, but step by step is the only way it can be done. And this administration is the perfect continuation of what was started in the last century. I pray for us all, especially those who have no clue as to what happening to their children and our future.

Published by: PAW
Nashville, TN 08/11/2009 07:48 PM EST

What a joy to see a faithful Catholic College is still possible. God bless Dr. Thierfelder. The Notre Dames, Georgetowns, etc... had convinced me that I would never send my children to a 'Catholic' College/University. Now I see I might be able to after all. That is of course assuming the State hasn't closed it down by the time my children are old enough. The government has gone out of control. Perhaps the linked article in the 'related news' about a contraceptive drug for men will help in Belmont Abbey's case. Apparently there is no more discrimination against only women.

Published by: Maureen Yantes
Rapid City, SD 08/11/2009 06:05 PM EST

YES--Way to go Dr. Thierfelder and all others involved in being faithful to the Church and mission of Catholic Higher Education. My oldest daughter graduated from BAC 5 yrs ago and my youngest is a freshman there now. We will continue to recommend this school to all our faithful Catholic friends. Thank You Belmont Abbey for taking a stand for Faith and Freedom of Religion.

Published by: Harold Crews
Columbia, South Carolina 08/11/2009 05:01 PM EST

As a Catholic and native Tarheel I'm proud that Belmont has stood steadfast to the teachings of the Church. I rejoice that both the Charlotte and Raleigh Diocese have faithful Bishops. But the day is soon coming that we will be forced to choose between following Christ in His Church or being Americans. The best route is for North Carolina and other Southern states to secede and form their own country. A country without abortion, where all Christians may worship freely and without compromise. A country where they may participate fully in civic life.

Published by: Karen C
Akron, OH 44333 08/11/2009 05:00 PM EST

So Reuben Daniels Jr., Director of the EEOC Charlotte District Office, holds that the denial of prescription contraception drugs constitutes discrimination based on gender “because only females take oral prescription contraceptives.”
Following his reasoning, if sickle cell medicine is only given to those with sickle cell disease, whites are being discriminated against since only blacks get sickle cell disease. Or, if diabetic drugs are only given to diabetics, they are discriminating against non-diabetics. It's incredible the way the devil twists language to twist logic.
May our Lord shine light in this darkness, and bring order out of this chaos. Also, may the courage of Dr. Thierfelder bear great fruit for God's Kingdom.

Published by: John
ann arbor mi usa 08/11/2009 03:59 PM EST

I praise the lord for this college and what it is doing! the eeoc has know right in sticking it mose it there bunssiness and if the emoply do not like it let them go some place else and WORK!!!!

Published by: Bob
Omaha, NE 08/11/2009 02:29 PM EST

Where is this college? I have a daughter who is almost college age. Way to go, Belmont Abbey College!

Published by: Robertz
KY,USA 08/11/2009 02:16 PM EST

Wouldn't it also be discriminatory to offer contraceptives that were only available to women? This would read "By having coverage, men are not affected, only women". Notice the hypocrisy and contradiction by the EEOC? Society is getting more idiotic by the moment. If only more colleges were like Belmont Abbey College.

Published by: Dr. C.L.
Fresno/CA/USA 08/11/2009 02:13 PM EST

Belmont College has my total and absolute admiration for adhering to morals, values, and teachings.

There are some very important values and principles that are not, nor ever will be, subject to government interference and attempts to control.

Published by: Thien
Ft. Worth, TX 08/11/2009 01:20 PM EST

Whatever happens to the "seperation of Church and States"? This is such a joke. It's ok for the government (EEOC) to step into Church's institution. But when She speaks up against moral issues of life and same-gender marriage, they'd complain that the Church interfere! Seems like double-standards are applied everywhere... So sad for America.

Published by: jack e .boucher
Silver Spring, MD 08/11/2009 12:56 PM EST

Banning sterilization, drugs and abortions is no more discriminatory than, vacectomies, condoms, and illicit sex is for men. Men and women are both very different mammels, and therefore certainly must be treated differently, it is just common sense. Equal rights equalis equal rights!

Published by: Pamela
Phoenix AZ usa 08/11/2009 11:37 AM EST

Please remember that birth control pills are often prescribed to relieve the pain of endometriosis which can be quite debilitating.

Published by: Pat Morris
San diego, CA USA 08/11/2009 11:23 AM EST

Praise God! A real Catholic College! Thank you Belmont Abbey from a "faithful to the Magesterium" Catholic. God bless you all.

Published by: Bill James
Sacramento/CA/USA 08/11/2009 10:46 AM EST

This is yet another example of the U.S. government suppressing Catholicism. The reply of Belmont Abbey College to the EEOC is exemplary. Yet, ultimately, if we are to preserve our faith, the Church will have to re-evaluate her accomodationist posture toward the State. Thus, I pray for the College, but
also pray for manly bishops.

Published by: marjer
paoli, pa. 08/11/2009 10:33 AM EST

I applaud the college for their stand, and I believe that it is time for this country to fall to their knees and beg God for His help.

Published by: Joseph Aubin
P{lattsburgh,N.Y. 12901 08/11/2009 10:29 AM EST

I commend Belmont College in n ot allowing contaceptive coverage. Ccatholic institutions have their right .too. The ste should not involve itself in the moral teaching of the church

Published by: Bob Redford
Greenwood, AR 08/11/2009 09:55 AM EST

Thank you, Dr. Thierfelder and Board at Belmont. I partici-pated in the demonstra-tions in Notre Dame a few months ago, and spent 2 days in jail for this. Distraught over Fr. Jenkins flagrant disregard for the teaching of the Catholic Church or obedience to ecclesias-tic authority, I am very encouraged by your action.

Published by: PJ
Queens, USA 08/11/2009 09:25 AM EST

First - it's a private college! Secondly - if the employee feels discrimination because of this let them go work someplace else. Simply put, Lastg - The EEOC has no business putting their nose in there.

Published by: John Madden
Tamarac, FL 08/11/2009 09:23 AM EST

My daughter graduated from "The Abby" and received an excellent education.
The solution is clear, however, in today's secular society without any conscience clause for religious beliefs - CLOSE THE COLLEGE AND ALL MEDICAL FACILITIES RUN BY THE CHURCH IN THE STATE. Might wake some people up!

Published by: Mary
Fort Worth, TX USA 08/11/2009 09:19 AM EST

Well, it is happening before our very eyes: the State is intervening in all matters public and private, including the practice of religion. I wonder if a Muslim school would have been charged with gender discrimination? It appears only Catholic/Christian entities are facing this terrible intrusion into the free practice of their religion. Dear God help us!

Published by: DLL
scituate Mass. USA 08/11/2009 07:54 AM EST

When is contraception a right? Why does any college have to provide contraceptives? There is a drug store in town I assume! Who is required to think as any Catholic does! Where is discrimination against women? There is a general right to just fornicate? For college students especially girls? Since when? EEOC is equal employment occupational commission where is the violation? Is prostitution legal on college campuses? Am I missing something here or what? I must be dreaming as this is legal insanity and wrangling at its worst! The worst thing you can do I suppose is agree with all Catholic teaching and fear for ones immortal soul if one violates any Catholic teaching. I assume that that is a voluntary commitment of a good conscience in obedience to God and nothing mandatory. Times they are a changing! BIG TIME! HELP! If this means providing MONEY or a college endorsed prescription for contraceptives this is insane. There are health care doctors in town or a hospital,a medical facility to make an appointment,what's the problem? A college exists to provide an education.NO? Yes? What???????

Published by: dina little
Massapequa, ny 08/11/2009 07:41 AM EST

Praise God!
A Catholic institution actually rejecting the culture of Death, and embracing the Culture of life...ie...being faithful to the life teachings of the Catholic church.
And as far as the women claiming it is discriminatory against women, stuff it. Fertility isn't disease to be 'cured'.
dina

Published by: myles keogh
Fort Riley Kansas 08/11/2009 07:28 AM EST

This is only the beginning. The brownshirts of Obama are on the march against the Church.

Published by: Dr. Di
Chicago, Illinois 08/11/2009 03:50 AM EST

This is just one small step of this Administration's committment to thrash first ammendment freedom of religion when it comes to Roman Catholics and other traditional Religious faiths.
Some Evangelical Colleges like Wheaton require faculty and staff to sign a pledge of fidelity to their religious doctrine.
Of course nothing will advance the culture of death more than the Obama "health care" program.

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