On Race and Equality

A message from Father Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R. Ph.D.

As promoters of Franciscan values, we strive to model right behavior in our world. Change begins with conversation and with listening. The Saint Francis University community should be the model for treating others the way you want to be treated and for loving one’s neighbor as one’s self.

One of my faculty colleagues offered the following reflection: In this time of Black Lives Matter and COVID-19, learning what it means to be human and how to be humane–the lessons taught in a liberal arts education–are more important than ever. If we do not address the most recent public events in a direct and honest way–engaging critical thinking and positive discourse learned through reading, writing, and respectful discussion–we, as an institution, will not survive the changes our society is experiencing.

With the seventh year of my Presidency at Saint Francis well underway, I’ve already seen how the Franciscan and Catholic mission has helped us weather financial difficulty, is sheltering us through a pandemic, and now will help to crush the evil of systemic racism. We have an opportunity to be who we are as people of faith, who love one another as God loves them, and who rise above strife and incivility to showcase Franciscan values to the university community and the world at large.

I look forward to continued thoughtful and deliberate conversation, and the implementation of meaningful change. May we always be mindful of the role of this Catholic and Franciscan university: to be models of civility in public discourse; to deepen our knowledge and be rooted in fact; to engage in healthy discussion and debate; to speak and act always with respect for others.

In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, let us begin again, for up until now, we have done little or nothing. May the Lord bless us and give us His peace.

COMMITTEE ON RACE AND EQUALITY

The following members of our Saint Francis University community have accepted Fr. Malachi’s invitation to serve:

CO-CHAIRS

Lynne Banks, Associate Dean of Students/Title IX

Coordinator Rev. Peter Lyons, T.O.R., Theologian in Residence /

Adjunct Professor, Religious Studies Dr. Arthur Remillard, Professor of Religious Studies

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Cpt. Eric Allen, Chief of Police Dr. Mark Buckwalter, Assistant Professor, Sociology/

Criminal Justice Dr. Denise Damico, Associate Professor/Department

Chair, History and Political Science Cecelia Garza, Admissions Counselor Kei-shon Graham, Black Student Union Representative Dr. Qin He, Assistant Professor, Engineering Dr. Amy Hudkins, Assistant Professor, Occupational

Therapy Randee McGee, Student Government Association

Representative Bishop Neal, Assistant Coach, Football Shaun Russell ’15, Alumni Representative Monica Shedlock, Human Resource Employment &

Development Specialist Eric Taylor, Assistant Coach, Men’s Basketball Dr. Norbert Youmbi, Associate Professor, Mathematics