Faculty protest crucifixes at Catholic university

BOSTON — Boston College officials have quietly placed crucifixes in every classroom and Christian artwork around the Roman Catholic university's campus, stirring some faculty complaints.The Jesuit school made the additions during winter break, part of a trend among Catholic universities and colleges attempting to affirm their Catholic identity through symbols and curriculum changes.While Boston College students have been mostly supportive, a handful of faculty protested to the administration. Some unsuccessfully circulated a petition asking to have crucifixes removed.Biology professor Dan Kirschner, faculty adviser for the school's chapter of the Jewish student group Hillel, said the school is being "insensitive" to people of other faiths.Maxim Shrayer, chairman of the Slavic and Eastern languages and literature department, said the religious symbols run "contrary to the letter and spirit of open intellectual discourse."Not all faculty agree. The Rev. John Paris, a Jesuit priest who teaches bioethics, said the criticism amounts to "the narrow and bizarre musings of a few disgruntled folks."Boston College spokesman Jack Dunn said the artwork reinforces the school's Catholic mission. He said there have been no complaints from students, about 70 percent of whom are Catholic.The identity issue has been of concern to Pope Benedict XVI, who addressed the presidents of the nation's more than 200 Catholic universities during his U.S. visit last year. He told educators they "have the duty and privilege to ensure that students receive instruction in Catholic doctrine and practice."