Bochenski backs letter opposing proposed UND gender inclusion policy

Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski says he supports a recent letter from the North Dakota Catholic Conference urging parents  to reject the school’s proposed “gender inclusion” policy.

The Conference says the letter was sent “to parents of students in Catholic high schools and, in some cases, other Catholic parishioners with high school students.”

UND’s policy, which is still in draft form, would require the use of a transgender person’s preferred pronouns and the use of facilities that align with a person’s gender identity.

In a Facebook post, Bochenski – a UND graduate and former hockey player — said, “This proposal by our beloved University spits in the face of everything we believe in.”

The mayor also said, “Compelling speech and forcing an ideology on our students, our children, and our community is abhorrent.”

Bochenski added that Grand Forks treats everyone with respect…and that “this exact statement is already in the UND Code of Student Life.”

UND President Andrew Armacost has said the policy is intended to follow federal laws and state policies, and to protect transgender students from harassment and discrimination.

UND plans to hold a news conference on Friday to respond to claims in the letter.

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Bochenski’s complete statement:

In Grand Forks, North Dakota we treat everyone with respect, dignity and civility. This exact statement is already in the UND Code of Student Life and a cornerstone of our Christian faith. We are a friendly and inclusive population that shares common values with our brethren from many religions. Every individual is a fellow human being and should be treated as such. This proposal by our beloved University spits in the face of everything we believe in. Compelling speech and forcing an ideology on our students, our children, and our community is abhorrent. Is it possible for a University to focus on academic rigor and preparing our youth to enter the workforce with the skills of adulthood?! A sad day for my alma mater. I support the attached letter wholeheartedly.