<p>We visited Georgetown last week and while I know Georgetown is a Jesuit school, I had intellectualized that fact and did not expect to see a crucifix above the teacher's podium in every classroom in Healy. It felt like a parochial school and we did not make it through the rest of the tour. Boston College was also on our list, and I'd be interested to hear if their classrooms are similarly appointed. We are occasional church-going Presbyterians and don't care to mix church with school. Thanks for any feedback.</p>
<p>I remember some controversy several years ago when the crucifixes were put in every classroom. Although far from the most religious of the Jesuit schools (in my opinion), Georgetown is a Catholic school – as is Boston College. I don’t mean this at all negatively, but if you don’t want to mix church and school it might be a better fit to find a college not sponsored by a religious group.</p>
<p>Does having a crucifix above your head really mean Georgetown is pushing Catholicism or even religion at all down your throat? No. If it’s that big of an issue just don’t look up. Georgetown was founded as a religious institution so excuse the university for maintaining its traditions.</p>
<p>Dude, I’m muslim and I honestly don’t care. Georgetown is a fantastic school, and you shouldn’t let some crosses get in your way.</p>
<p>Yes, Healy, White-Gravenor and Copley Halls (our historic buildings on campus) are richly adorned with religious iconography; it is an acknowledgment of the Catholic character of the university. That character is meant to complement the Georgetown experience, not be the central focus of one’s education. I think you missed a valuable opportunity to get a clear and broader picture of the campus/university by fleeing from the crucifixes in Healy. BTW, the ICC (which houses the School of Foreign Service) display religious symbols from different faiths, not just Catholic iconography. </p>
<p>I’m still trying to intellectualize myself how a prospective student/family would (presumably after doing a little research on GU values/core curriculum) find Georgetown University attractive enough to tour; yet, be surprised and so uncomfortable with religious iconography that they would leave a tour. Please don’t misinterpret what I’m about to say as personal attack. But, for a prospective student to be so distressed that they’d want to leave a tour seems a little short sighted & narrowed minded and goes directly against the Jesuit educational philosophy of taking in the entirety of situation, engaging in critical inquiry and analysis, and practicing discernment. If a prospective student is prone to snap judgements or rash decisions based on nothing more than feeling and isn’t able to intellectually follow through on, say… readings/lectures from professors that make them uncomfortable, or if they are unable to self-reflect on long-standing values, then THAT, more than the crucifixes in classrooms, is the reason they aren’t a good fit for a university espousing strong Jesuit values. It takes a unique keenness of mind and insatiable curiosity to want that sort of constant intellectual workout - it isn’t for everyone and that is ok. </p>
<p>Best of luck to your son/daughter!</p>
<p>To answer your question: Yes, it seems there are crucifixes in all classrooms at Boston College.
[Boston</a> College Hangs Crucifixes in All Classrooms - The Paper Trail (usnews.com)](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/paper-trail/2009/02/17/boston-college-hangs-crucifixes-in-all-classrooms]Boston”>http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/paper-trail/2009/02/17/boston-college-hangs-crucifixes-in-all-classrooms)</p>
<p>Hoyagolfer, MilkShaikh and MacHoban - as the parent of a non-Catholic rising sophomore, I couldn’t agree more with your comments. Well said. I feel the Jesuit values are teaching our son to be a deeper thinker and a better person - all without any specific religious focus. Thank you.</p>
<p>Ironically, I grew up as an occasional church-going Presbyterian (Synod of Living Waters, Presbytery of South Alabama, if you want to be specific), but am now on the non-believing side of agnostic.</p>
<p>Never once did the crucifixes on the walls bother me in any way. It did not feel like parochial school, nor did I feel like church and school were being “mixed.” Your worries, while understandable, are unwarranted.</p>
<p>Op,</p>
<p>You may be better off sticking with state schools. I hear Virginia, Michigan, California, North Carolina, and Wisconsin have some good ones. They won’t mix church with school.</p>
<p>You should avoid bc. Too many crucifixes.
You should also avoid Stanford. Those mission style buildings can remind one too much of
the Spanish colonizers that converted the indigenous people to Christianity.
Maybe consider skipping the tour at Duke, Chicago, Yale and Princeton. Way too many neo- gothic buildings. It feels like your going to school in a cathedral.</p>