June 2, 2020
Dear Members of the Boston College Community:
The senseless death of George Floyd while in police custody has left millions in our country shaken, angry, and wondering how is it possible in our day that another black person in America could die in such circumstances. I share those feelings and questions, and I particularly ask how we at Boston College, members of an academic and faith community, can and should respond to the inhumane, racist behavior so evident last week in Minneapolis.
First, I invite you to join me in praying for George Floyd—whose brother described him as a God-fearing person and a man of peace—and for his family and all those who mourn his death. May God give them the strength and consolation they need at this time of devastating loss and sorrow.
In addition, we must condemn the racial prejudice and profound injustice leading to this latest shocking loss of a black person’s life in our country. Reflecting its Jesuit, Catholic heritage, Boston College insists that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, and grace. It is essential that all of us review our lives to ensure that we act in accord with the Gospel mandate to love God and neighbor. Hatred and racism have no place anywhere, and we are called to challenge such behavior when manifested not only in our community but also in our nation and world.
Finally, it is essential that we remain people animated by faith, hope, and love and not let frustration, anger, and violence prevail. I believe especially helpful and appropriate for us today are words in the eighteenth chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke: “Pray and not lose heart.” And strengthened by our faith and bonds with one another, we must recommit ourselves to promoting a society where all have the possibility of life, liberty, and justice.
William P. Leahy, S.J. President Office of the President 140 Commonwealth Avenue Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
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