June 02, 2020
From the President: Renewing Our Commitment to Peace and Social Justice
Dear La Roche University Community,
My heart has been heavy over the past week as our nation has mourned the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, while failing to constructively direct the rightful indignation following the injustice of their deaths.
I have found myself struggling to process the horror of those deaths, coming in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has once again exposed the inexcusable health care disparities in our nation’s marginalized communities.
Yesterday, seeing the Floyd family rise from their grief to plead for peace and justice helped me bring clarity to my feelings and to find my voice. The example set by this heartbroken family, with their plea that we honor George Floyd’s shortened life by becoming a nation of more caring individuals, should be forever written on our hearts and minds. This family’s example should embolden us and strengthen our voices, both individually and collectively, to echo their call: “Peace on the left, justice on the right.”
Soon, we will be able to gather again as a university community. When we do, let us be guided by the Floyd family’s example and the La Roche mission, which informs our commitment to promoting justice and peace. Let us work tirelessly to remove all obstacles that stand in the way of true racial and social justice. Let us continue to boldly reject racism and injustice each time it is presented to us.
Importantly, let us seek God’s guidance and ask that our individual efforts be blessed. Let us further pray that God will guide our nation on a path of healing and respectfulness in the pursuit of equality of all.
Blessings,
Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D.
President