Thank you to all those who have reached out, as we appreciate your perspective and the time you took to express it on our behalf. We hear the voices expressing the pain that a history of racism within our human family causes, and we apologize for the role that Assumption High School played in contributing to that pain. We commit to ongoing work within our Assumption community to provide a loving, safe, compassionate, and merciful environment for all.
We pray that through the pain of these recent events there is an opportunity for our school community to grow and promote the growth of individuals. Like all growth, this will be a journey that will take time, and we ask for grace and prayer as we move forward – working toward the betterment of Assumption High School, and, in turn, our world. Though we are unable to respond to every communication we have received on this matter individually, please be aware of some key elements regarding our response and our efforts going forward.
1) We are having conversations with our students about how we as a school community can do better in terms of understanding and helping our students understand issues of race, racism, prejudice, and discrimination. We view the racial diversity of our student population as a tremendous strength, and we celebrate the opportunity to learn with and from each other. We are interested in listening to all students and understanding their experiences and making a healthy impact on future choices and understanding.
2) We are exploring a variety of ways that education on these important matters can be implemented into our student experience. This includes conversations with community members who can offer perspective and guidance.
3) We will rely on pastoral guidance and resources provided by the Catholic Church. Some examples include “Open Wide Our Hearts: the enduring call to love – a pastoral letter against racism,” “Responding to the Sin of Racism,” and “A Catholic Response to Racism.” With this guidance, we are seeking ways to provide education and training for students and staff.
4) We are all sinners, but the mercy of God provides a path for healing. We remain grateful for our Board approved Code of Conduct that provides a multi-tiered student disciplinary response that includes education, consequence, and atonement.
All people are created in the image and likeness of God. As an educational institution, we work with students and families to promote understanding. The Assumption Family is heartbroken by recent social media activity reflecting a highly unacceptable attitude regarding the precious gift of life.We recognize the hurtful impact of the posting and the reality that social media has the power to affect all people.
We as a school try to teach our youth to celebrate the diversity within our own community and the broader community. Understanding the lives of others is the best way to truly understand ourselves. Our words and actions affect others. Sometimes they cause pain. We realize there is more work to do. As a Catholic institution, we are committed to ongoing efforts to educate in alignment with Gospel values and teaching. True love of neighbor is consistently willing the good of another. We are working with the students directly involved in this situation along with our entire student body to promote healing, safety, compassion, mercy, and understanding.
One in the Spirit,
Assumption High School Administration