About 200 members of the Villanova University community gathered Tuesday night to hear from the school’s president about his decision to cancel the performance series of an openly gay artist.
According to members of the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition, who were in attendance at this week’s meeting, the Rev. Peter Donohue apologized “to members of the community who felt offended. That was not our intent.”
Donohue did not direct a specific apology to artist Tim Miller, who had been slated to facilitate a performance-art workshop series at the school in April. Miller is known for his edgy, envelope-pushing techniques, but his series had been approved through all the proper channels.
However, Donohue told Villanova students, faculty and staff this week that he received a “flood” of messages from alumni and parents upset with the planned series and also was pressured by Catholic watchdog group Cardinal Newman Society.
He emphasized, however, that the cancellation was not related to Miller’s sexual orientation, but rather the content of his shows.
“We are not a homophobia institution,” PSEC quoted the president as saying. “I am not homophobic. It is not something we should stand for.”
Donohue went on to say that instances of homophobia on campus should be reported “and we’ll address it.”
“My first priority is supporting the community, all of the community. The nature of the Gospel calls us to do that,” Donohue said. “If any of us are being singled out or discriminated against — first and foremost, and strongly, we will deal with it.”
Bryn Mawr College has since scheduled a workshop on its campus with Miller.
Jen Colletta can be reached at [email protected].