We Stand for Justice
- SJP Statement on the Derek Chauvin Verdict
- Statement on Georgia Killings : March 2021
- SJP Statement on the Capitol Insurrection : January 2021
- SJP Statement on Racism : June 2020
- CSJ Statement on Racism
SJP Statement on the Derek Chauvin Verdict
April 21, 2021
Dear Saint Joseph Prep Community,
Almost a year has passed since we all witnessed the horrific murder of George Floyd, and while there is some relief to be found in yesterday’s verdict regarding the Derek Chauvin trial, we are well aware that it is accountability that has been served, not justice. There is still much work to be done to align what we know to be right with the function of our justice system, so that the system treats all people with equity and compassion. This verdict may be a step towards justice, but our work continues. The incident involving the death of a teenager in Columbus yesterday is proof, if any was needed, that justice is still a work in progress. We agree with our Sponsor, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, in stating that “we recognize this moment as a pivotal time to engage whole-heartedly in the difficult work of unraveling systemic racism and biases that fuel unjust treatment of people of all colors.”
We are especially mindful of the students of color in our own community and how this past year may have resonated with them. While we can never fully understand their experience, we remain steadfast in our effort to listen, learn, and stand with them in the face of injustice. To that end, faculty members of the ARID (Anti-Racism, Inclusion, and Diversity) group are offering a virtual space over Zoom tomorrow evening, Thursday, April 22, for students to check in and share. Any and all students are welcome to stop by.
Thursday, April 22, 2021
7:00PM
Mrs. Carroll’s Zoom space
Our prayers are with the Floyd family. May they find peace and healing in yesterday’s decision. We also pray for so many families that have yet to receive accountability for the tragic losses they have endured. We stand in solidarity with all who continue to actively strive for justice and equity in our communities.
May the light of Christ continue to guide us in our pursuit of a just world.
Best,
Ms. McCarvill and Mr. Ward
Statement on Georgia Killings : March 2021
Saint Joseph Prep Statement on the tragic recent killings in Georgia
March 22, 2021
Dear SJP Community,
On behalf of the Administration, Faculty, and Staff at Saint Joseph Prep, and in solidarity with our sponsors, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, we join with all those who are outraged at the violence that took place in Georgia last week.
As a community of faith, committed to the inclusive love of God and love for the dear neighbor without distinction, we condemn this and all senseless acts of racism. We stand in solidarity with the members of the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in condemning this hate crime, and all, unacceptable acts of violence. Amidst this time of great sorrow and pain, we stand together to condemn racism in all its forms and pray for reconciliation and peace. We particularly pray for our SJP Asian students and their families who are deeply affected by this horrific event.
In times like these, we are reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who inspired a nation and the world to stand up against hate and intolerance when he said that: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” And as 20th Century Asian American peace activist Grace Lee Boggs also said, “The only way to survive is by taking care of one another.” Only by standing together in care of one another can we hope to bring greater peace, understanding, and acceptance to our world.
Let us continue to pray for the grace to love another as Christ has taught us to love.
God bless.
Ms. McCarvill and Mr. Ward
Co-Heads of School
SJP Statement on the Capitol Insurrection : January 2021
SJP Statement on Racism : June 2020
Saint Joseph Prep Statement on George Floyd
June 3, 2020
On behalf of the Administration, Faculty, and Staff at Saint Joseph Prep, and in solidarity with our sponsors, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, we join with all those who are outraged and shaken at the senseless killing and tragic death of George Floyd. As a community, we condemn racism in all of its forms and pray for reconciliation and peace. It is important that we heed the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
In the words of George Floyd’s brother: “My family is a peaceful family. My family is a God-fearing family. Let’s do this another way. Educate yourself.” Together, let us educate ourselves on the work that must be done to dismantle racism. As the Sisters of St. Joseph teach us, “We work for unity and reconciliation where there is brokenness, helping people become whole and holy, individually and together”.
At our School, diversity is one of our greatest blessings, and we will always be united by our differences, not divided. As a true community of faith, we are called to stand together in the struggle for justice, manifesting hope by seeking to improve the quality of human life. Strengthened by our faith and our bonds with one another, we will create opportunities in the days ahead to facilitate discussions related to social justice, racial inequality, and the Gospel mandate to love one another without distinction.
Let us continue to pray for the family of George Floyd. May we all strive to create a world where we embrace one another as brothers and sisters.
Sincerely,
Ms. Kathleen McCarvill and Mr. Gene Ward
Co-Heads of School
CSJ Statement on Racism
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, join with all who grieve and cry out against racism in all its forms. At this moment, heartbreak, frustration, fear, and outrage are but a few of the disquieting emotions resulting from the fatal arrest of George Floyd of Minneapolis. We acknowledge our own privilege and unite ourselves with others to work to dismantle racism.
We pray in solidarity with the family of George Floyd and all who suffer deeply from the effects of this egregious act – not only in Minneapolis but throughout our country and our world. In the presence of the constant and painful reminders of the deep roots of racism in our country and as part of the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, we join with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in committing to the critical work of creating communion, examining the root causes of injustice and our own complicity, and purging ourselves, our communities, and our country of the sin of racism and its destructive effects.
Read our 2018 full CSSJ Federation statement here:
http://www.cssjfed.org/images/Pdfs/Federation-Statement-on-Racism-8.15.18.pdf