Jesuit Student Government Leaders Take Stand Against Racial Injustice

28 March 2016

In recent months, colleges and universities across the nation have responded in protests, demonstrations, and online activism to events at the University of Missouri (Mirzou), Claremont McKenna, Ithaca College, San Jose State University, Howard University, and others. The voices of students of color and their allies are united in calling for an end to racial injustice within institutions of higher education.

In response to the protests and demonstrations across the nation: the student body presidents of Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States publicly stand in solidarity with these students and their allies. In doing so, we recognize that this unrest is much more than a series of demonstrations—they are a part of a larger movement that hopes to bring to light the injustices that students of color experience within institutions of higher education. This is a movement that strives for a nation that upholds its constitutional pledge that all citizens be granted equal treatment before the law. It resonates with our Catholic tradition, which recognizes the inherent dignity and value of every human—naming specifically the human dignity of students of color.
With that being said, the student body presidents of Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States:

• Understand students have the right to demonstrate against racial injustices that too often impact the educational experience
• Acknowledge racial inequalities exist within our own Jesuit institutions and more actions must be taken in this regard
• Recognize standing in solidarity with people of diverse ethnic backgrounds by creating an environment that fosters open and respected dialogue is essential for the betterment of our institutions of higher education

We, as a collective of Jesuit colleges and universities, have a duty to humanity. Our Jesuit education encourages individuals to think critically, reflect deeply on the realities of injustice, and fight tirelessly for a just world. As students of Jesuit institutions, we often hear phrases such as cura personalis (care for the whole person) and “men and women for and with others.” These phrases challenge us to orient our lives and education toward a greater good—a world free from oppression and marginalization. Thus, we have a moral obligation to challenge systems and policies that privilege few and oppress many. As Jesuit institutions, we are prepared to engage in conversations of race, microaggressions, representation, intersectionality, and the injustices that exist within flawed systems. Although many may never experience the severity of the racial discrimination that remains in our nation today, we all must realize institutions of higher education should be catalysts for social change. Regardless of our position on this earth, we have the obligation to stand for all of humanity’s rights and incorporate that into our personal ideals and backgrounds. Therefore, we commit to providing opportunities for dialogue to educate and advocate for change and action.

With this statement, we encourage colleges and universities across the nation to stand in solidarity with those who strive for an end to racial injustice in the higher education system and gather complete information in regards to the specified topic. We call all institutions of higher education to stand together and take action in advocating for an end to racial inequality in its many manifestations.

David Tassonc
ASLMU President
Loyola Marymount University

Michelle Perez
SGA President
Saint Peter’s University

Jay W. Bryant
SGA President
Saint Louis University

Aaron Poor
ASG President
Santa Clara University

Erin Gabrielle Marcum
SGA President
Wheeling Jesuit University

Kayman Nixon
CSU President
Creighton University

Richard Kubiak
USA President
Canisius College

Taylor Kratochvil
GSBA President
Gonzaga University

Joe Luther
GUSA President
Georgetown University

Katie Shane Kasey Jones
SGA President
University of Detroit

Nicholas Chingas
USS President
St. Joseph’s University

Katherine Walletius
RUSGA President
Regis University

Ashley Domagola
USG President
Fordham University

Zack Wallace
MUSG President
Marquette University

Mallory Barnes-Ohlson
SGSU President
Seattle University

Anif McDonald
FUSA President
Fairfield University

Laureano Figueroa
ASUSF President
University of San Francisco

Thomas Napoli
UGBC President
Boston College

Christopher Kilncr
OSG President
The University of Scranton

Rachel Pearson
Student Senate President
Rockhurst University

Moira Pannepacker
SGA President
Loyola University Maryland

Conner F. Bucchc
SGA President
Spring Hill College

Cecelia Plachn
Byron Udegbe
SGA Co-Presidents
College of the Holy Cross

Will Hudson
Student Union President
John Carroll University

Morgan Baker
SGA President
Le Moyne College

Caleb Mickler
SGA President
Xavier University

Nathaniel Ryther
SGA President
Loyola University of New Orleans

Mariana Chavez
Student Government of Loyola Chicago President
Loyola University Chicago