Striving for Understanding and Justice

The tragic and unfortunate deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others whose lives were needlessly extinguished offer yet another reminder of the need to open our hearts and minds.

Truth Seeking Understanding

Amid this contentious time, as an educational institution rooted firmly in the Catholic liberal arts tradition, it is our responsibility to provide hope – hope for a better tomorrow. These are words that must guide our work throughout the campus community to form individuals of high character and understanding so that when they venture out into the world they, too, can change hearts and minds. The liberal arts education offered by Assumption is the framework for addressing societal problems because this education rests on the fundamental questions that every person and every society must answer: What is the good? What is evil? What comprises the common good? What does it mean to be a civilized people? How does moral judgement and prudence inform our actions? What is right and what is inherently wrong?

Assumption prepares students to reflect upon complex questions. Such is embedded in our mission as we seek to form individuals known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service. Faculty challenge Assumption students to examine problems from a variety of perspectives and enduring ideas in search of the truth. It is not simply enough to tell students what is just or unjust, rather, to challenge them to discover the truth guided by a caring and dedicated faculty who present fundamental questions for students to contemplate. This is why Assumption exists.

To guide students on this intellectual journey of self-reflection as it relates to the just and unjust, a conversation continues at Assumption.

Resources

Assumption University is offered a series of opportunities to obtain a better understanding of the pervasiveness of racial injustice in our nation. Students, faculty and staff were invited to attend the below discussions explore racism.

The discussions are another opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion on how each of us can make a substantive and positive contribution to addressing the racial injustice that causes great pain and suffering.

Wednesday, June 10

Faculty Discussion – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Staff Discussion – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 11

Students of Color Discussion – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Ally Student Discussion – 6 to 7 p.m.
Black/African American Student Discussion – 7 to 8 p.m.
Racism has rightly been called America's original sin. It remains a blot on our national life and continues to cause acts and attitudes of hatred, as recent events have made evident. The need to condemn, and combat, the demonic ideologies of white supremacy, neo-Nazism and racism has become especially urgent at this time. Our efforts must be constantly led and accompanied by prayer—but they must also include concrete action.- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a number of Pastoral Letters, statements and other resources on the sin of racism. Please click on the following links to learn more about racism from the Catholic perspective.

Striving for Understanding and Justice

The tragic and unfortunate deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others whose lives were needlessly extinguished offer yet another reminder of the need to open our hearts and minds.

Truth Seeking Understanding

Resources

Light the way.

A Catholic university located in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service.