It is refreshing and encouraging to have a president in office who truly fosters critical thinking and social justice within the university.

When the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., allowed “The Vagina Monologues” to be performed at Loyola, he showed that he was, at least, in favor of freedom of expression. And when he wrote an e-mail to Loyola students, faculty, staff and alumni on Feb. 14 expressing his stance on the play, he told us much more than that.

Wildes said that the play’s content often makes people uncomfortable because it addresses topics like sexual violence and the objectification of women. He also said that, as a university devoted to Catholic humanism, Loyola should examine these issues. “The Vagina Monologues” gives women an opportunity to speak out about previously-taboo topics like rape, sexuality and female genital mutilation.

While Wildes has been criticized for this allowance and his seeming endorsement of a controversial play, we have just one thing to say to him: bravo.