Dear Maroon Editors,

I had hoped to write to Father Byron concerning the cancellation of The Vagina Monologues, however, I will voice my opinions to you. I am a mother of a student at Loyola. I am also an alum of Regis University in Denver, Colorado and a member of Alpha Sigma Nu. As such, I am worried that Loyola would feel compelled to stop the production of a play simply because the words or the content may make a small percentage of people uncomfortable. This play, which I have seen, is not frightening, it is uplifting, freeing, and joyful. It allows women and men to experience the female essence from a new perspective and to grow as individuals.

My daughter was really looking forward to participating in and sharing the truths held in the stage production of The Vagina Monologues. The stories are worth hearing, from the woman reclaiming herself after rape to the adult woman freeing herself from the pain of child abuse. I hope Father Byron took the time to read or see the play before allowing words to frighten him into making a choice that so condemned the feelings of students, faculty, parents, and others.

It saddens me that this place of education, where I believed my daughter was going to be exposed to being a leader and innovator, has chosen the safe path. Does not St. Ignatius challenge us to find God in all things? The Lord is easy to see in this work, it its message of strength and renewal.

I wish the university would reconsider its decision and allow the production to go forward. There are somethings that cannot be hidden. Know that if these words are not spoken at Loyola they will be spoken other places, they will be heard, and with no help from the university, they will grow. How sad to not want to be involved.

All due respect,

Merrie Valliant

303-233-2971

3150 Benton

Wheat Ridge, Co,80214