Stories

Santa Clara University President Michael E. Engh, S.J., and Provost Dennis Jacobs send a message of solidarity after the tragic acts of violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Last weekend, the nation witnessed tragic acts of violence and domestic terrorism in Charlottesville, Virginia. We write today to express grave concerns about how the caustic ideologies of racism, white supremacy, xenophobia, and other forms of bigotry are increasingly reestablishing a foothold in American culture, dividing the country, and threatening the fundamental values on which our democratic society is based.

Santa Clara, like other universities, is not immune to hateful and intolerant sentiments and acts. At the same time, such incidents challenge us to redouble our resolve that expressions of racism, xenophobia, and all forms of hate speech are antithetical to our core values as a Jesuit university.

It is our responsibility to live out the values we proudly profess, actively protecting those who are vulnerable to such attacks and working to challenge and uproot injustice and oppression through the power of our moral convictions, the rigor of our thinking, and the depth of our commitment. The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, in collaboration with other offices and groups across campus, is planning a set of programs on the topic of our collective rights and responsibilities around freedom of speech and civil discourse across difference. More information about how to get involved will be shared this fall quarter.

Let us join together to respect and protect the human dignity of each and every individual—regardless of the person’s race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, political affiliation, or socio-economic status. Santa Clara University is greatly enriched by the diversity and shared values of our community. We extend our thoughts, prayers, support, and solidarity to those in Charlottesville and elsewhere who have been detrimentally impacted by acts of hatred and bigotry, and to those who consistently and courageously confront such acts.

With hope and resolve,

Michael E. Engh, S.J.,
President

Dennis C. Jacobs,
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs