Having recently transferred to Loyola University Chicago, Christine Irvine was "thrilled" by the prospect of host her upcoming wedding ceremony on the school's lakefront campus. But when university officials learned Irvine would marry a woman, her request was denied.
In response, Irvine launched a Change.org petition Sept. 11 urging Loyola to "end the discriminatory policy banning same-sex ceremonies on campus." As of Sunday, the petition has nearly 3,000 signatures.
"By denying same-sex couples the privilege of celebrating our love and commitment on campus, the University communicates that the relationships of our heterosexual peers are more highly valued, accepted, and celebrated than our own," said Irvine, a visual communication student, on the petition.
Irvine, who grew up Catholic, said she understood that the school's Madonna della Strada Chapel would be off limits given the religious affiliation. But she sought to host her ceremony at one of the university's other lakefront venues.
"I was caught off-guard because I've always thought of Loyola as a progressive institution," Irvine said in an interview. "I was definitely disheartened that we wouldn't be able to host our ceremony there."
Instead, she said, a representative for the university's conference services department informed her that she could rent facilities for the reception. But Irvine refused the offer.
"I responded that we'd avoid having any part of our wedding on-campus if that's the case," she said. "I thanked him for his time and hung up."
In a statement, Loyola spokesperson Megan Troppito said the university only rents its facilities for ceremonies legally recognized in Illinois. The university's current guideline doesn't allow same-sex ceremonies, despite legal recognition under the state's civil unions law.
"We are currently assessing what our official policy will be," said Troppito, noting that universities and others will have the next seven months to develop new policies until equal marriage becomes effective next June, as expected.
Irvine said she also sent Loyola President Rev. Michael Garanzini a letter explaining the situation, to which she hasn't received a response. However, she's encouraged by the outpouring of support from other community members and students, some of whom are planning a campus referendum on the issue.
"It's been really encouraging and demonstrates the moment we're in and the shift in folks' acceptance and tolerance of LGBT people," Irvine said.
Irvine and her fiance will continue their plans to wed next June, having already secured another venue for the ceremony and reception. However, she said she will continue pushing for a change in the guidelines.
"I think Loyola has an incredible opportunity to stand by their values as a Jesuit institution that claims to be a home for all people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation," she said. "I'm hopeful that they'll make the right decision."