Women’s and Gender Studies Hosts Father Roy Bourgeois on Sept. 9

VALDOSTA—The Valdosta State University Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) program is hosting Nobel Peace Prize nominee Father Roy Bourgeois from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the Odum Library auditorium.  Bourgeois’ presentation “Conscience, Justice, and Equality” will reflect his mission work to promote justice in Latin America and gender equality within the Catholic Church.
 
“We are thrilled to have Father Bourgeois share his struggles for social justice, equality, and support of women’s ordination with the university,” said Dr. Tracy Woodard, professor of sociology and director of Women’s and Gender Studies. “Father Bourgeois is an advocate for change and is known for standing up for what is right. He is a good role model for our students and they will reap many benefits from hearing him speak.”
 
An activist for the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, Bourgeois was expelled from the priesthood because of his public support for the ordination of women. He is also known for his objection of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America after working in Bolivia for five years. Bourgeois spent four years in federal prison for nonviolent protests against the training of Latin American soldiers at Fort Benning Army Base, located near Columbus, Ga.
 
Bourgeois’ background includes four years of service in the U.S. Navy and a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University Louisiana-Lafayette. He is the founder of the School of Americas Watch and a recipient of the Pax Christ USA Teacher of Peace Award.
 
For more information regarding the lecture, contact WGST office at 229-249-4842.