University is committed to a diverse community based upon the teachings of the Church and our common belief that we are one human family, united in our humanity and enriched by our diversity.
We recognize and appreciate the unique gifts of all individuals no matter their backgrounds. Our differences should be mutually enriching and bring us into a deeper relationship with others, but too often they become the justification for domination, exploitation, separation, ridicule, and rejection. In Christ, God seeks to gather all people into a communion of love and truth.
As a University that seeks “to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research, all in service to the Church, the nation and the world,” we must examine and act when we encounter structures that perpetuate division among God’s family. These structures can be within our own institution, and in the larger Church, or in the society that we serve. We are called to serve all the children of God’s family.
We are called to practice everyday solidarity. Pope Francis has called this everyday commitment to solidarity “social love.” He has challenged us to be radically open to all — even those who are very different from ourselves. The University has a responsibility to assist students, faculty, and staff to grow in daily solidarity and to encourage this virtue in the structures of our community.
