In this statement, Neal Katyal describes how his parents chose to educate him at a Catholic boys' school called Loyola Academy in Chicago, rather than allowing him to attend a coeducational institution. This decision was driven by their desire to shield him from the influence of girls during his formative years.
The underlying implication here is that Katyal's upbringing reflects an era when certain cultural and social norms dictated how children were raised and educated. By sending Neal to a single-sex school, his parents aimed to create a more focused learning environment that they believed would be conducive to his intellectual development without the potential distractions or pressures associated with being around girls at a young age. This approach was common among some conservative families who felt that separating boys and girls in educational settings could lead to better academic outcomes and more disciplined behavior.
Neal Katyal is an accomplished American lawyer, law professor, and public servant. He has made significant contributions to the legal field, particularly through his work on constitutional rights and national security issues. Katyal served as the Acting Solicitor General of the United States during President Obama's administration, where he argued several important cases before the Supreme Court. His background in law and his experiences growing up reflect a deep commitment to both personal integrity and public service, which are evident throughout his professional career.