Message from Loyola鈥檚 president: Responding to violence against Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities
Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of 91吃瓜网, released this statement today:
"The horrific killings in Atlanta on Tuesday, March 16, that resulted in the deaths
of eight people, including six Asian American women, should leave us outraged. From
the earliest days of the pandemic, we have witnessed xenophobia and racism toward
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. But, although the pandemic heightened these
issues and brought greater awareness to them, our nation has a long and shameful history
of racism, prejudice, and hatred directed against people of Asian descent.
As a community committed to working toward justice, we denounce these recent acts
of violence and hatred. We stand with members of our community who are members of
the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and our commitment
to continue to oppose prejudice, racism, hate crimes, and violence鈥攁nd to work for
inclusion, justice, and peace.
St. John Paul II spoke of the importance of being aware of social sin, sin that has
an impact on others and which we may be complicit in. Racism is a prime example of
social sin that damages lives and of which many participate. We allow structures of
racism in our society that benefit white persons to the detriment of persons of color.
Another social sin worth naming in this situation is that our society and culture
promote an unhealthy approach to sexuality that leads to human trafficking and a whole
industry that takes advantage of and victimizes women. In viewing this tragedy with
that perspective, we should ask ourselves whether we are complicit in creating or
supporting these structures that keep these women marginalized. We have an obligation
to ensure that every individual鈥檚 full humanity is realized and valued. We should
ask ourselves how we can work to change society鈥檚 view of human sexuality in a way
that lifts individuals up and values them as persons regardless of their gender or
sexual identity.
I encourage you to embrace this moment as an opportunity to educate yourself and consider
how you might contribute to advocacy and meaningful action in this work for justice.
Speaking up is important, but just as important is action that will lead to change.
Our intentions in Alumni Memorial Chapel at Mass yesterday included this most recent
tragedy, and we will continue to pray for an end to the ongoing tragedy of this pandemic
of racism in our world. On Tuesday, March 23, at 7:15 p.m., weather-permitting, the
Asian Cultural Alliance鈥攊n collaboration with ALANA Services and Campus Ministry鈥攚ill
offer a vigil and light luminaries on the Quad. We hope to draw attention to this
issue and bring our community together in prayer and purpose to remember the victims
of this most recent tragedy. Let鈥檚 take this moment to shine a light on the ongoing,
underlying issues that we need to address as a society.
I also encourage you to take some time to delve into the resources I am sharing to
learn more about these issues and the voice you might lend in addressing these issues:
Let us work together to create a more just world with optimism, hope, light, and love."