May 11, 2016

Dear Parents,
Because you have entrusted your daughters education to Mercy High School, San Francisco, I am
writing to you on behalf of the Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest
Community. As you are aware the Sisters of Mercy founded Mercy High School and continues to
sponsor it.
When a teacher informed the Schools administrators of a decision to identify as a transgender man, we
collaborated with the Board Chair Diane Lawrence and a team of key administrators while we studied
how to respond in a manner consistent with Mercy and Gospel values and your Schools Catholic
Identity. We prayed for guidance. We also consulted trusted advisors as we applied these principles to
this circumstance.
This afternoon, we informed students, faculty and staff about our resolve to support the dignity of each
personregardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identification.
Gabriel Stein-Bodenheimer, English Department chair and teacher, has asked to continue employment
at Mercy High School. While we regard personnel matters as private, this situation required a departure
from that policy.
Because some students and parents, faculty and staff may appreciate having assistance with processing
their views regarding the teacher, who identifies as a transgender man, we have arranged for counselors
to be available for you this week at the School. On Thursday, May 12, counselors will be available for
parents, faculty and staff between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. at the school. There will be an optional informal
meeting with the administrative team and me for parents between 6 and 7:30 p.m.at Rist Hall.
We are grateful to you for your consideration and proud of how the Mercy High School faith
community demonstrates its strong commitment to Mercy and Gospel valuesrespect for human
rights and dignity, compassion for others and the courage to actas well as its Catholic Identity.
We also believe the Sisters of Mercys statement of Catholic Identity for our secondary schools
underscores the importance of quality relationships for everyone associated with the School. And, we
strive to witness to mercy when we honor the dignity of each person in a welcoming culture that
pursues integrity of word and deed.
Respectfully,
Sister Laura Reicks, RSM
President
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
West Midwest Community