Georgetown as a Jew?

[NotSur]

I keep searching for a thread that addresses attending Georgetown (which is Catholic) as a Jew but I can't seem to find it. Can anyone comment please? I'm deciding whether or not to take it off my list...

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[Appless]

I dont understand really, you think you are going to be discriminated against as a jew? Its a jesuit school but they dont force relegion down your throat or hate you because your not their relegion...this isnt loma linda. If you want to go there dont base it on relegion i dont feel that should even matter in this case.

 

[NotSur]

It's not that I'll feel discriminated against, it's more like there are things that would make me uncomfortable that other students might not even notice, ie. crosses on all the walls or something. Also, I'd like a strong Jewish community/presence/dating pool.

 

[DrJD]

It's not that I'll feel discriminated against, it's more like there are things that would make me uncomfortable that other students might not even notice, ie. crosses on all the walls or something. Also, I'd like a strong Jewish community/presence/dating pool.

There are some crosses on the walls, that is true... They are really small, and I only noticed them because I looked for them, in fact off the top of my head I can only think of one. (I am a Christian, so I enjoyed seeing it.) But I can reassure you that I don't think the crosses would make you uncomfortable here.

As far as the jewish community, it doesn't seem like there is one, but that doesn't mean their isn't. It just means that no one has organized it.

 

[Quix]

I went to Georgetown as an undergraduate, and while there are Catholic groups on campus, it's not oppressive. I don't think anyone here can speak to your perception, however - you'll have to visit and see if there are environmental issues that would make you uncomfortable. It's a Catholic university, but it is also a cosmopolitan university. We're not exactly in "open class sessions with a prayer" territory.

 

[DrJD]

I went to Georgetown as an undergraduate, and while there are Catholic groups on campus, it's not oppressive. I don't think anyone here can speak to your perception, however - you'll have to visit and see if there are environmental issues that would make you uncomfortable. It's a Catholic university, but it is also a cosmopolitan university. We're not exactly in "open class sessions with a prayer" territory.

In the medical school classes and around here on the medical school campus I honestly wouldn't know that it was a catholic university just by being here. Occasionally I see Father Fitspatrick talking with some students, but otherwise it really doesn't feel like a catholic community, or a generic Christian one at that. Seems that 95% of the professors espouse evolution as fact, and occasionally mock those who believe in God.

It is also an extremely liberal, pro-choice, etc. student body. I think that if you came to Georgetown the least of your worries with being offended would be the fact that it is a "Catholic University."

 

[dw2158]

I'd like a strong Jewish community/presence/dating pool.

thank the good lord i'm not alone in this! are you a dude or a girl? 😉

 

[dmblue]

thank the good lord i'm not alone in this! are you a dude or a girl? 😉

lol

 

[dw2158]

lol

yeah, i'm shameless, what can i say 😛

 

[binko]

I know a bunch of Jews who went to Catholic high schools where they had to do prayers and everything... I guess they just ignored it?

Not really related to anything, but hey this is the internet.

 

[Food]

It's not that I'll feel discriminated against, it's more like there are things that would make me uncomfortable that other students might not even notice, ie. crosses on all the walls or something. Also, I'd like a strong Jewish community/presence/dating pool.

Being a Muslim, if the constant media attention / glares in the store / "Islamofacism" awareness groups don't make me too uncomfortable - I don't think you'll be uncomfortable in the presence of a few crosses on the walls...

But I can understand your position....in any case I think you'll be alright there.

 

[atomi]

-

 

[DrSno]

Seems that 95% of the professors espouse evolution as fact, and occasionally mock those who believe in God.

It is also an extremely liberal, pro-choice, etc. student body.

All good things. 👍

 

[Quix]

In the medical school classes and around here on the medical school campus I honestly wouldn't know that it was a catholic university just by being here. Occasionally I see Father Fitspatrick talking with some students, but otherwise it really doesn't feel like a catholic community, or a generic Christian one at that. Seems that 95% of the professors espouse evolution as fact, and occasionally mock those who believe in God.

Uh, you do realize that the Vatican endorsed evolution as compatible with the faith, and you shouldn't make generalizing comments like your "95%" claim. I would hope that the science faculty follow the evolutionary paradigm, as it is a cornerstone of contemporary science. And I can be pretty sure that the philosophy, theology, German, and English department faculty don't mock religion. I know these folks quite well (I've maintained contact with them since my time there), and they certainly don't make these kinds of claims. Your *perception* may be different, but this perception doesn't translate into fact. As a quick "for instance", the rejection of an argument that is based on religious beliefs is not the same as mocking a religious belief. "The Bible says..." can be a logical fallacy, and does not constitute sufficient evidence or proof in many of the cases in which it is invoked. Pointing this out does not constitute a mockery of the faith, just a demonstration that it is not a compelling argument. If I deny you the assumptions of your premises, your conclusions don't matter.

It is also an extremely liberal, pro-choice, etc. student body. I think that if you came to Georgetown the least of your worries with being offended would be the fact that it is a "Catholic University."

Eh, that's just your perception. I seem to recall both College Dems and College Repubs as being *very* active on campus, as well as pro-life marches and activism, etc.

Just a general word of warning when you are trying to assess ideology (this applies to everyone) - your perception will be affected by what you've internalized. If you've been consuming a steady diet of Fox News and other Rupert Murdoch productions, everyone to the left of Limbaugh will seem to be "liberal". Similarly, if you've been consuming a steady diet of Air America and the MSNBC commentators, everyone to the right of Al Franken will appear to be ultra-conservative. "Conservative" and "liberal" get thrown around so much that they are functionally empty - lots of people use the labels with zero understanding of what they actually mean (e.g., the difference between political liberalism, economic liberalism, and fiscal liberalism). Additionally, American "liberalism" is much more centrist when compared to liberalism outside the U.S. So I'd strongly encourage folks not to use these labels.

 

[Beta Cell]

This is by far the funniest title I think I may have ever read. 🙂

On a more serious note, Gtown is a fine school. I think it would be worth it to avert your eyes from the occasional cross.

 

[NotSur]

As far as the jewish community, it doesn't seem like there is one, but that doesn't mean their isn't. It just means that no one has organized it.

Hm, I appreciate this response but I don't think creating a Jewish community is something I'll have time for in med school. I'd prefer that it already be there as a ready-made support network.

 

[NotSur]

thank the good lord i'm not alone in this! are you a dude or a girl? 😉

haha, girl. yay jews. you?

 

[NotSur]

Being a Muslim, if the constant media attention / glares in the store / "Islamofacism" awareness groups don't make me too uncomfortable - I don't think you'll be uncomfortable in the presence of a few crosses on the walls...

But I can understand your position....in any case I think you'll be alright there.

Wow, I'm so sorry that you have to go through that. Props to you. Wasn't there a more Muslim-friendly school you could have gone to? (Do those exist?)

 

[NotSur]

Uh, you do realize that the Vatican endorsed evolution as compatible with the faith, and you shouldn't make generalizing comments like your "95%" claim. I would hope that the science faculty follow the evolutionary paradigm, as it is a cornerstone of contemporary science. And I can be pretty sure that the philosophy, theology, German, and English department faculty don't mock religion. I know these folks quite well (I've maintained contact with them since my time there), and they certainly don't make these kinds of claims. Your *perception* may be different, but this perception doesn't translate into fact. As a quick "for instance", the rejection of an argument that is based on religious beliefs is not the same as mocking a religious belief. "The Bible says..." can be a logical fallacy, and does not constitute sufficient evidence or proof in many of the cases in which it is invoked. Pointing this out does not constitute a mockery of the faith, just a demonstration that it is not a compelling argument. If I deny you the assumptions of your premises, your conclusions don't matter.



Eh, that's just your perception. I seem to recall both College Dems and College Repubs as being *very* active on campus, as well as pro-life marches and activism, etc.

Just a general word of warning when you are trying to assess ideology (this applies to everyone) - your perception will be affected by what you've internalized. If you've been consuming a steady diet of Fox News and other Rupert Murdoch productions, everyone to the left of Limbaugh will seem to be "liberal". Similarly, if you've been consuming a steady diet of Air America and the MSNBC commentators, everyone to the right of Al Franken will appear to be ultra-conservative. "Conservative" and "liberal" get thrown around so much that they are functionally empty - lots of people use the labels with zero understanding of what they actually mean (e.g., the difference between political liberalism, economic liberalism, and fiscal liberalism). Additionally, American "liberalism" is much more centrist when compared to liberalism outside the U.S. So I'd strongly encourage folks not to use these labels.

Regarding the abortion date, I know someone who's had trouble getting her pro-life group approved for funding by the university. Does anyone know how this affects student health insurance? At my undergrad, for example, Plan B was free to students, no questions asked. Same deal at Georgetown?

 

[Quix]

Regarding the abortion date, I know someone who's had trouble getting her pro-life group approved for funding by the university. Does anyone know how this affects student health insurance? At my undergrad, for example, Plan B was free to students, no questions asked. Same deal at Georgetown?

No idea. (1) I'm a guy, so it wasn't terribly high on my list of things to explore in student health, and (2) the last time I had anything to do with student health there was 1998.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

I dont understand really, you think you are going to be discriminated against as a jew? Its a jesuit school but they dont force relegion down your throat or hate you because your not their relegion...this isnt loma linda. If you want to go there dont base it on relegion i dont feel that should even matter in this case.

Is loma linda really uptight on the religious thing?

 

[hoya09]

Re the OP, I'm graduating from Gtown undergrad in a few days and I've had pretty extensive contact with the med school. I don't want to speak to what would make you feel (un)comfortable, but if you have specific questions about the school or community feel free to PM me. I've found it to be a very accepting community and have not been particularly bothered by the Jesuit overtones, for what it's worth.

Re NotSur, reproductive health is a bit of an issue here... The administration will not fund any entity that distributes birth control (read condoms, plan B is totally out of the question) including campus stores. One must take the 20 min walk to CVS to purchase any kind of contraceptive. Though I don't have university healthcare, I've heard that their staff plan won't even cover the pill. We have one organization (H*yas for Choice, forced to use the * as to not affiliate directly with the university) that does attempt to distribute condoms, info, etc but they're pretty underground. Also, the pro-life group is VERY vocal, to the point where its rallies have made me uncomfortable at times.

 

[phospho]

Is loma linda really uptight on the religious thing?

Yes, but they make it known on their secondary application and in pretty much everything they use to communicate with you. So anyone who does end up going there doesn't really have an excuse for being uncomfortable since they knew about it.

 

[blackbird11384]

Re the OP, I'm graduating from Gtown undergrad in a few days and I've had pretty extensive contact with the med school. I don't want to speak to what would make you feel (un)comfortable, but if you have specific questions about the school or community feel free to PM me. I've found it to be a very accepting community and have not been particularly bothered by the Jesuit overtones, for what it's worth.

Re NotSur, reproductive health is a bit of an issue here... The administration will not fund any entity that distributes birth control (read condoms, plan B is totally out of the question) including campus stores. One must take the 20 min walk to CVS to purchase any kind of contraceptive. Though I don't have university healthcare, I've heard that their staff plan won't even cover the pill. We have one organization (H*yas for Choice, forced to use the * as to not affiliate directly with the university) that does attempt to distribute condoms, info, etc but they're pretty underground. Also, the pro-life group is VERY vocal, to the point where its rallies have made me uncomfortable at times.

Georgetown undergrad here as well. Every girl on campus knows how to bypass this arcane stipulation. It's all in how you spin it. You don't for the pill for contraception, you ask for it to regulate your cycle. An academic clinician at the hospital said that nearly every doctor under Georgetown knows and does this. Im not sure how it works with doctors outside of georgetown's umbrella, but i would imagine you would ask for contraception normally (i think its just georgetown that enforces the rule not the insurance company). Any hoya know any more about this?

 

[DrJD]

Uh, you do realize that the Vatican endorsed evolution as compatible with the faith, and you shouldn't make generalizing comments like your "95%" claim. I would hope that the science faculty follow the evolutionary paradigm, as it is a cornerstone of contemporary science. And I can be pretty sure that the philosophy, theology, German, and English department faculty don't mock religion. I know these folks quite well (I've maintained contact with them since my time there), and they certainly don't make these kinds of claims. Your *perception* may be different, but this perception doesn't translate into fact. As a quick "for instance", the rejection of an argument that is based on religious beliefs is not the same as mocking a religious belief. "The Bible says..." can be a logical fallacy, and does not constitute sufficient evidence or proof in many of the cases in which it is invoked. Pointing this out does not constitute a mockery of the faith, just a demonstration that it is not a compelling argument. If I deny you the assumptions of your premises, your conclusions don't matter.



Eh, that's just your perception. I seem to recall both College Dems and College Repubs as being *very* active on campus, as well as pro-life marches and activism, etc.

Just a general word of warning when you are trying to assess ideology (this applies to everyone) - your perception will be affected by what you've internalized. If you've been consuming a steady diet of Fox News and other Rupert Murdoch productions, everyone to the left of Limbaugh will seem to be "liberal". Similarly, if you've been consuming a steady diet of Air America and the MSNBC commentators, everyone to the right of Al Franken will appear to be ultra-conservative. "Conservative" and "liberal" get thrown around so much that they are functionally empty - lots of people use the labels with zero understanding of what they actually mean (e.g., the difference between political liberalism, economic liberalism, and fiscal liberalism). Additionally, American "liberalism" is much more centrist when compared to liberalism outside the U.S. So I'd strongly encourage folks not to use these labels.

If you're glad they do it then whats your beef? I didn't say one way or the other whether it was bad or not, I just said they did. I also wasn't referring to the philosophy department, I was referring to the medical school.

A few of our teachers have asked students to raise/lower hands in answer to certain questions, there were 4 hands raised that were "pro-life"... Where as I couldn't count the number of "pro-choice" hands... I'm not generalizing, you haven't sat in on the medical school curriculum for an entire year, so you probably shouldnt' comment on something you know nothing about. If the student was applying to undergrad perhaps your comments would be helpful, or welcome.

The point of the thread wasn't to argue whether evolution is a crock, or whether it is good or bad they do it. I simply stated a fact, that is that most professor teach it as fact, and that the student body slants in the same direction as many in their peer group, towards "american liberalism."

Oh, and "compatible with" does not equal "Fact," or an endorsement of truth.

 

[Appless]

Is loma linda really uptight on the religious thing?

yes, they have all types of werid religious rules but as phospho said, their 2ndary app makes it very clear that if you are not SDA or christian you should probably stear clear unless you want to convert. Not my cup of tea thats for sure, the only cali school i wont apply to lol. Even though i wanna stay here so bad 🙁.

 

[NotSur]

Re the OP, I'm graduating from Gtown undergrad in a few days and I've had pretty extensive contact with the med school. I don't want to speak to what would make you feel (un)comfortable, but if you have specific questions about the school or community feel free to PM me. I've found it to be a very accepting community and have not been particularly bothered by the Jesuit overtones, for what it's worth.

Re NotSur, reproductive health is a bit of an issue here... The administration will not fund any entity that distributes birth control (read condoms, plan B is totally out of the question) including campus stores. One must take the 20 min walk to CVS to purchase any kind of contraceptive. Though I don't have university healthcare, I've heard that their staff plan won't even cover the pill. We have one organization (H*yas for Choice, forced to use the * as to not affiliate directly with the university) that does attempt to distribute condoms, info, etc but they're pretty underground. Also, the pro-life group is VERY vocal, to the point where its rallies have made me uncomfortable at times.

ah, i'd be afraid of the implications of this for someone who wants to be an ob/gyn...any thoughts on that? thanks for the pm offer!!

 

[Jolie South]

ah, i'd be afraid of the implications of this for someone who wants to be an ob/gyn...any thoughts on that? thanks for the pm offer!!

I wouldn't be concerned about religious compatibility. I interviewed at Georgetown med and they seem to have an openness to other religious beliefs and allowing you to see/do things that might not be within their philosophy. I know particularly that they have Muslim and Jewish student groups and that if you feel you need to educate yourself on abortions an family planning that they will permit you to do that (albeit outside of their umbrella of clinical facilities).

 

[hoya09]

I agree with Jolie such that it probably wouldn't affect your medical education directly, but it's an issue of environment. I have an autoimmune disease that has taken me through the full range of specialties in Georgetown Hospital and their ob/gyn service wasn't lacking. In particular, I was very impressed with one of their ob/gyn surgeons.

EDIT: actually, they brought the med students and residents to see my somewhat rare condition in every specialty I visited, so from my experience, they're very interested in teaching.

 

[Quix]

If you're glad they do it then whats your beef? I didn't say one way or the other whether it was bad or not, I just said they did. I also wasn't referring to the philosophy department, I was referring to the medical school.

And it would have helped to make this explicit in your reference. You have "pre-med" listed as your status, which suggested to me that you were referring to the professors at the University. Aside from my interview at Georgetown's medical school, I've had minimal contact with that faculty.

A few of our teachers have asked students to raise/lower hands in answer to certain questions, there were 4 hands raised that were "pro-life"... Where as I couldn't count the number of "pro-choice" hands... I'm not generalizing, you haven't sat in on the medical school curriculum for an entire year, so you probably shouldnt' comment on something you know nothing about. If the student was applying to undergrad perhaps your comments would be helpful, or welcome.

Again, it would have been helpful if you had clarified your frame of reference, so settle down, Beavis.

The point of the thread wasn't to argue whether evolution is a crock, or whether it is good or bad they do it. I simply stated a fact, that is that most professor teach it as fact, and that the student body slants in the same direction as many in their peer group, towards "american liberalism."

Again, I'd suggest folks stop using these terms unless you've devoted a lot of time studying comparative political theory. I don't know your background, so I don't know whether this is applicable to you or not. But there has been a marked tendency of knee-jerk political labeling in this forum in the past (and in society at large). Consequently, the term has become functionally meaningless, except for rhetorical purposes.

Oh, and "compatible with" does not equal "Fact," or an endorsement of truth.

Hey, you brought it up, and in context you made it sound as if you were both disagreeing with it as well as suggesting that it was against Catholic doctrine. If this wasn't your intention, then it would have been helpful to clarify your statements.

 

[njbmd]

GT accepts Jewish students. In any Catholic hospital, you may find a cross or two on the walls but you probably won't notice them to any great degree. There are even Jewish professors in the medical school as GT really doesn't care so much about your ethnicity as your competitiveness to be in their class.

 

[dw2158]

haha, girl. yay jews. you?

girl. also applying to gtown!

 

[sarahg]

Is loma linda really uptight on the religious thing?

Very, to the extent that most Christians wouldn't even feel comfortable there. You have to sign something promising that you won't drink, for example, which is a dealbreaker for me right there (apparently the students do tend to drink, but I don't want to worry about getting caught and kicked out of med school every time I order wine with dinner).

 

[Brent8927]

Georgetown undergrad here as well. Every girl on campus knows how to bypass this arcane stipulation. It's all in how you spin it. You don't for the pill for contraception, you ask for it to regulate your cycle. An academic clinician at the hospital said that nearly every doctor under Georgetown knows and does this. Im not sure how it works with doctors outside of georgetown's umbrella, but i would imagine you would ask for contraception normally (i think its just georgetown that enforces the rule not the insurance company). Any hoya know any more about this?

I went to an undergrad Jesuit institution in CA and they didn't go quite this far, but they definitely didn't want condoms distributed on campus. There was a big debate between students (who felt "what decade are we in?") and the Jesuits/administration (who felt "Did you realize we're a Catholic school?")

Anyway, there was a Planned Parenthood very closeby, so I guess it was a situation where everyone wins--the students still get free condoms, and the Jesuits/University don't compromise their morals. The Jesuits were happy that they could still encourage abstinence, but also happy that for those who did practice abstinence, that they could still have safe sex.

My understanding is girls had no problem being prescribed the pill by the medical staff on my campus.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Very, to the extent that most Christians wouldn't even feel comfortable there. You have to sign something promising that you won't drink, for example, which is a dealbreaker for me right there (apparently the students do tend to drink, but I don't want to worry about getting caught and kicked out of med school every time I order wine with dinner).

Wow, that's pretty intense. Loma linda doesn't sound too fun.

 

[robnon]

I did not attend GU, but I worked there for several years as an adminstrator and I worked very closely with the medical school/nursing school and campus health system. I can say that GU is probably the most diverse Catholic school in the country when it comes to acceptance of other religions. In fact many people (even in the DC/VA area) are surprised to hear GU is even a Catholic school. I believe just under 50% of the student body is Catholic. There is a large Muslim/Jewish presense on campus (for a Catholic school). The campus ministry office employs Jewish Chaplains, there is even a Muslim chaplain (I believe GU is the first and only Catholic school to hire a Muslim chaplain). Jewish holidays are celebrated on campus, in fact even some of the Christian chaplains will help with these events. An understanding/celebration of Judiasm is a big part of the missiong for GU. So I think you will find an excellent represenation/representation on campus from the students/faculty/staff and even if you don't as others have said you are in DC. For example American University has a very large Jewish representation and the campus is quite close.

This is all speaking from the undergrad prespective, however the two campuses are integrated. On the one hand as others have said this med school so its a different ballgame, but if you want to know about the social scene on campus it is quite good.

Also for the staff health plan, they offer two options, one is a GU health plan which of course offers no BC options and then a regular plan (Kaisser Permentente) which is the same type of plan you would get working for any company. With this plan you have all of the normal BC options.

 

[ygree001]

I was never in Georgetown but I spent 2 years in yeshiva Silver Spring, MD nearby (I'm Jewish). Several of my friends were in the Law school and had no problems at all.
Regarding an Orthodox community (if that's what you meant) there is a small community in DC and a fairly large one in Silver Spring, which is about 30-40 minutes away by Metro. I am applying and if I end up going there, I will live in SS.

 

[BigRedder]

My friend at Georgetown med is Jewish and gay, and he loves the school. Also, the undergrad has a Hillel, so there is certainly a Jewish community. Plus it's DC, and let's be honest, teh j00s are out in force there.