Message Regarding Bias-Motivated Violence

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

 

We are in a time of increasing intolerance, hate and bigotry. While we strive to build a community marked by respect, Holy Cross does not exist apart from these realities. The reports of violence over the last week have put this reality into stark relief for all of us. We mourn the unfathomable loss of life at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and a grocery store in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. And I echo Dean Murray’s shock and sadness at the report of anti-LGBTQ violence that we received this weekend. Individuals and communities across our country continue to be targeted on the basis of their ethnicity or immigration status, religious beliefs, sexual orientation and other identities.

 

Even as the frequency of such horrible acts seems to be on the rise, we must not become desensitized to them. We must continue to be outraged. We must shine a light in those dark places. Tomorrow, we as a community will come together to condemn acts of intolerance and violence, and to support those most affected by recent incidents. The Office of College Chaplains has organized an opportunity to gather and pray in solidarity with all those who are targets of bias-based violence and to recommit ourselves to the values of human dignity and justice. This event will take place on Tuesday, October 30, at 3:30 p.m. on the Hoval. I encourage all of you to attend.

 

But this is not enough. We need to engage one another with care and creativity as we work proactively to build a community of inclusion on our campus. We should all be a part of the solution. We need new and innovative approaches to dealing with the increasing incidents of hate and bias we see, not only here at Holy Cross but in our broader society. You will hear of plans for a community-wide initiative shortly. I am asking for your energy and ingenuity in that effort. I welcome your ideas and urge each of you to participate.

 

We must and we will continue the hard work of building a campus community that not only treats each other with empathy and respect but also stands in solidarity against hate and intolerance.

 

 

Sincerely,
Philip L. Boroughs

President