Holding Fast to Our Ideals

After much thought and prayer, I write about my concerns regarding the recent election and the divisiveness that has erupted in our country and on our campus because of people’s disagreements over decisions our current president is making.

There are students among us who feel threatened by recent or expected federal and state decisions. College of Saint Mary is committed to doing everything it possibly can to provide support to these students and their families.

Thus, College of Saint Mary will continue to welcome students of all races and nationalities and all socio-economic backgrounds. Our promise is that our environment, our faculty, and our staff will do everything possible to call forth the potential and foster leadership in each and all of our students.

College campuses should be safe places to express and debate various points of view. College of Saint Mary will continue to engage students in lively debate and civil discourse. As a college which holds ‘respect for human dignity’ as one of its primary values, it is imperative that each person, whether Republican or Democrat, whether born in the United States or elsewhere, is respected. Belief in human dignity for each and every person emanates from the fundamental Christian principle that we are each created in the image and likeness of God. The principle does not say you have to be Christian to be created in God’s image…it says every human person mirrors God.

This may, as our recent marketing message says, ‘go against the grain’ for some; however, we will continue to hold fast to our ideals.

College of Saint Mary President Maryanne Stevens, RSM, periodically posts thoughts about higher education, access and affordability, student life, and issues facing our nation and world. Comments may be directed to Dr. Stevens at presidentsblog [at] csm.edu.