June 2, 2020
Our collective sadness and anger over his death and the deaths of other fellow black community members is deep and profound. Hatred and violence based on race, or any other aspect of a person, has no place in our world, in our nation, on our campus.
We write with a message that is at the heart of Mount Mercy’s compassion mission and one which we hold most dear—that this community believes and acts on the principle of the inherent dignity and worth of every person. Racism, in all its forms, is antithetical to our mission of compassion and to who we are as a campus community, and has no place at Mount Mercy. Hate and violence, in all its forms, is reprehensible and is not connected to the essential compassion mission we seek to advance. We do not tolerate racist acts on our campus nor from members of our campus community.
As we follow in the footsteps of the Sisters of Mercy, we actively seek to dismantle the structure of racism, hate, and violence, as Catherine McAuley worked at so long ago. We were founded by her Sisters to advance people in and around our community, especially where marginalization or disenfranchisement exist, and we recommit ourselves to the important work of the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. Now, more than ever, let’s together truly fulfill Mount Mercy’s mission of compassion and love for one another in community. Using our collective voices, let’s continue to call for love and justice for everyone. We pledge to do so among, and along with, each of you.
We also write to ask you, as you are able, to participate in our initial aspects of support for one another. Sister Linda Bechen has shared important resources, and the Student Government Association will be holding a town hall meeting. Obviously, more conversation and action planning will follow—especially as we are able to gather together to talk with one another about this crucial issue.
Many individuals stand ready to assist MMU students, faculty, and staff at this important time, including staff in student services, campus ministry, the Diversity and Equity Committee, and the Center for Teaching and Learning. If you would like to talk with someone, please reach out to any of the following individuals:
We join you in solidarity and prayer for the victims of racism and violence, for one another, and for our country, with the hope that we can affect real change in our world starting on our campus.