Barnard Changes Policy to Admit Transgender Women

In fall 2015, Barnard will become the latest member of the prestigious “Seven Sisters” colleges to admit and enroll transgender students.

Previously, Barnard had no admissions policy specifically addressing transgender women. However, after a year of deliberation, Barnard enacted a policy June 3, 2015 stating that a transgender applicant can attend if they identify as a woman. Reactions among members of the Barnard community were mixed.

Activists Allege Abuse by Nuns and Push for Right to Sue

“Nuns abuse children, too.”

Those were the allegations that members of Road to Recovery wrote on poster boards in red stenciling and draped across their bodies.

As they stood on the front steps of Judson Memorial Church, they also handed out flyers bearing the same message to people leaving that facility. The protesters chose that church on Washington Square South for its proximity to Notre Dame School, 13 blocks away. At that school, Road to Recovery member Cecilia Springer, then known as Sister Mary Grace, alleges she was sexually abused as a high school sophomore in 1946.

“Nuns abuse children, too. And I’m one of those victims.” said Springer, 84, a retired nun.