At first it seems odd that a Catholic school in Brookfield, Wis., would have a problem with American Girl dolls.

One could rationalize disapproval of Barbie dolls, whose indulgent lifestyles are marketed and highlighted everywhere except their scrawny physiques. The same goes for the newly popular Bratz dolls, who often sport outfits that make Lil 'Kim look conservative.

Alternatively, American Girl dolls provide a respectable and healthy option in the increasingly inappropriate doll market. These dolls are fully dressed and healthily proportioned. They even come with their own line of educational storybooks that are set in different periods of American history.

The quality and respectability of the products are mirrored in the conduct of this branch of Mattel, Inc. Over 60 times a year, the company partners with non-profit group and holds a benefit fashion show.

This year, St. Luke's School in Brookfield landed one of these highly sought-after partnerships. Their fashion show was scheduled for next spring. At the show, St. Luke's expected to raise upwards of $10,000 from ticket and raffle sales and business sponsorships. American Girl would also have donated a percentage of the doll, book and accessories sales to St. Luke's — clearly a profitable venture for both parties involved. So why did St. Luke's cancel the fundraiser last week?

Because, as it turns out, American Girl is not as wholesome as the company first appears — at least not according to the administration at St. Luke's and angry conservative groups.

In September, American Girl made the fateful philanthropic decision to help out another non-profit called Girls, Inc. — formerly the Girls Club of America. At that time, American Girl started selling one dollar "I Can" bracelets, the proceeds from which went to support Girls, Inc. centers across the country and the organization's website.

The problem was and is that Girls, Inc. — in addition to providing resources and education regarding athletics, self-esteem, and women's health — has advocacy positions. They include support of abortion and contraception along with sexual abstinence. They also affirm lesbian sexual orientation. These positions are obviously not shared by the Catholic Church and are the reason why St. Luke's felt morally obligated to sever their partnership with American Girl.

Co-Chairman of the event, Catherine Valentyn, explained that the school was sorry to cancel the event, but felt it was wrong to hold it after learning of American Girl's support for Girls, Inc. "We know what the Catholic Church stands for, and we, in essence, represent them," said Valentyn.

This is too bad for the girls at St. Luke's. The fundraiser promised not only new dolls and a family friendly activity, but also money for a new playground and the remodeling of their library. But these girls aren't the real beneficiaries of American Girl's philanthropic actions, and they won't be the real victims if the company decides to discontinue such shows. The losers will be the under-privileged young women who rely on Girls, Inc. for empowering messages and support.

So far, St. Luke's has been the only non-profit organization to cancel, but interest groups like the Pro-Life Action League and the American Family Association are hoping others will follow their lead. These groups have mounted large campaigns to discourage parents and children from buying the dolls and attending the fashion shows. Arguing that American Girl is promoting promiscuity and anti-Christian values, these groups are urging boycotts of American Girl products and in doing so, calling for the discontinuation of donations to groups like Girls, Inc.

I can understand the actions of St. Luke's, who ended their partnership with American Girl, because their "integrity isn't for sale." But if it's integrity we're worried about, groups like the Pro-Life Action League and American Family Association should discontinue their call for boycotts and their demonizing of American Girl.

One of the most important tenets of Christianity is to give generously to others, especially those in need. American Girl and Girls, Inc. are doing just that. They help disadvantaged, young women build higher self-esteem and access resources when support systems like a churches and well-funded schools are absent. They provide a wealth of services that should not be discredited because of an allegedly undesirable list of advocacy positions. The Church and conservative groups do not need to applaud American Girl and Girls, Inc.'s doctrine of acceptance or style of support. But they should at least tolerate their gesture of generosity. It's simply the right, and Christian, thing to do.

Sarah Howard ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in political science and journalism.