University Statement on Racial Injustice - June 1, 2020

Dear Lewis Colleagues and Students,

We have been deeply saddened and shaken by the events surrounding the death of George Floyd. This act of continued racial violence has also occurred in the midst of a pandemic, which has taken more than 100,000 lives in the United States and has disproportionally affected minority communities. As a community of faith committed to justice, we hear clearly the clarion call of the prophets and feel their anger and rage at the injustice of lives lost and families destroyed. 

During this time of local and national reckoning, Lewis University reaffirms its commitment to justice, peace and to an active solidarity with all victims. Our commitment to create an educational environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, a Sanctified Zone, is unwavering. We acknowledge the confusion, pain and suffering that is happening around us. We uphold Justice and Association as core strengths of our Mission Values.

The imperative to respect the human dignity of all is an institutional priority at Lewis University. As a campus community, we share the responsibility to assure that all members of our community feel respected and treated with dignity. It is our responsibility as a University to do more than demand justice in the broader society. We must work diligently each day to create a more just campus community through our actions, policies and practices.

We want to engage the Lewis community on this important topic beginning this week.

• Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, at 3:00 PM the Chief Diversity Officer and the University’s Diversity Engagement Committee will host a Community Check-In: Hate is not an Option via WebEx including members of the Leadership Team. All are encouraged to attend.

• This Thursday, June 4 at 1:00 PM, a special Conversation from Stritch Hall will focus on ways our community can respond to the current crisis. The show will feature guests from the Lewis University community with perspectives and expertise on this area. Visit https://youtu.be/JY8S4Xi-XN0 to watch a recording of the event.

We will continue to work together to reimagine how we support historically underrepresented populations. We will remain in constant prayer for healing and transformative resolutions. In addition, we will hold in our hearts the many fallen victims, first responders, and innocent bystanders.

Sincerely, 

Dr. David Livingston                                                        Dr. Kristi Kelly

President                                                                         Chief Diversity Officer