Letter to the De La Salle Institute Community
June 2, 2020
Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, Alumni, Benefactors and Friends;
I write this letter to you because our society and communities are hurting. Years of racism have impacted progress. It is my hope, with God’s grace, that we can find a way to acknowledge the racism that exists within our society, our schools and our homes. We will take bold and faithful steps together to acknowledge the sacredness and dignity of every human life. Our Christian values have taught us to work toward an end to hatred and racism within our hearts in order to create a more just society.
De La Salle prepares its students with the ability and knowledge to pursue dreams and to use your voice for change in this world. That a very diverse group of young people can come together, learn from each other, experience each other’s cultures, and maybe, just maybe, become lifelong friends. But for this to happen, we must be open to learning, listening and accepting each other.
De La Salle Institute will be initiating the following actions.
● Our Board of Directors has initiated a task force to address the issues of race and culture.
● Professional development on cultural diversity for all members of the De La Salle faculty and staff and student body.
● Engage our strategic partners, parents, alumni and friends in facilitated small group conversations.
● The task force will recommend and facilitate an action plan.
It is my hope and prayer, that the De La Salle Alumni, Parents/Guardians, and Students will be an example to the Chicagoland community of what is possible when we strive to work together.
Live Jesus in our hearts…forever.
