For the Glory of the Blue and White

Dear fellow Alumnae of Immaculate Heart,

As many of you may already know, issues of women's reproductive rights have taken center stage in our national debate. Recent legislation in South Dakota outlawed abortions with no exceptions made for victims of rape and/or incest; Missouri has cut funding for contraception, and more states are considering similar legislation that further limit women's choices. As a woman, I am deeply concerned about the direction this country is taking in regard to the role of women in our society.

As an Immaculate Heart alumna, I feel that it is imperative that these issues-- including abortion, birth control, sex education and women's reproductive rights in general, be comprehensively addressed at our school. In order to continue to foster the intellectual, spiritual, moral and social development of young women, the administration has a responsibility to provide honest, medically accurate sex education that teaches both abstinence and information about contraception, to promote consistent dialogue on how to make decisions for their bodies and spirits with utmost care and respect, and to be compassionate towards the choices of others.

It is our duty, as alumnae, to speak up on behalf of the students-- our sisters-- as we would for ourselves, and the administration needs to hear your voice now. I am collecting testimonials to be brought to the administration—they need to know how Immaculate Heart's sex education program did/did not prepare you for your life during and/or beyond high school, and what can be done to better address their current students' needs.

Please feel free to forward this letter to any and all alumnae of Immaculate Heart. There are tips and instructions at the end of this letter on how to start writing, and I am happy to take any questions/comments at laura.miwha.young@gmail.com .

The more young women know about the joys as well as the risks of sexual behavior, when they act out of confidence and understanding and not out of fear or uncertainty, the better prepared they will be to lead lives of great heart and right conscience.

Take good care,

Laura M. Young '98

laura.miwha.young@gmail.com







Writing a Testimonial

- Personal stories will resonate the most with the administration. Be honest and speak from the heart.

- Keep it constructive. It is important for the administration to hear your story, but equally as important for you to offer suggestions on how they can improve their approach.

- You can attach your name and year to the testimonial, but it is not necessary. Should you wish to submit anonymously, let me know and I will keep your name and contact information private.

- Length: 600 words, or one page is recommended, but make it as long or short as you wish.

Remember, you are the experts— you all attended Immaculate Heart, and are the ones best qualified to talk about how the programs there affected you. If there is any story the administration wants to hear, it is yours.

Again, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me at laura.miwha.young@gmail.com .