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Recent Events
Mercyhurst continues to make space for conversations about racial equality
Mercy March for Black Lives:
September 2020 & 2021
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement gained tremendous support in the summer of 2020, following the publicization of the murder of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd. Mercyhurst BSU teamed up with Campus Ministry to host a BLM March in September 2020. Over 400 people attended in support of the Black community. Members of BSU read poems and shared personal stories about their encounters with racism. BSU President Janiece Withers commented " It was great to feel supported as a Black student at this school. So many people showed up willing to learn. I loved hearing my Black peers express themselves and make their voices heard." BSU hosted another march in September 2021, with the goal of continuing to educate and spread awareness on the issue of racism.
So You Want To Talk About Race Book Discussion:
January 2021
Over the winter break of the 2020-2021 school year, Mercyhurst hosted a virtual discussion on Ijeoma Oluo's book, So You Want To Talk About Race. Students, faculty, and staff served as facilitators of small group discussions on each chapter, unpacking the more modern implications of racism. The discussions were centered around how to be an active White ally and understanding that racism is a systemic, not individual, issue.
President’s Advisory Council for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
On November 30, President Kathleen A. Getz released a statement to the school introducing the new President’s Advisory Council for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. Members of this new initiative include, among others, Dr. Greg Baker, Vice President for Mission; Sr. Natalie Rossi, Campus Minister; Brittney Randolph, Head Coach of Field Hockey; and two student representatives, Rondale Smith and Vydalia Weatherly. "As this group of 10 sets the foundation for creating a more equitable campus, I want you to feel free to engage them with your ideas, questions, and opinions, " President Getz said in the statement. "As we establish our goals and priorities, we will look to you to carry this important work forward as a community-wide endeavor."
Photos taken by Victoria McGinty at 2021 Anti-Racism March at Mercyhurst University-Photography by Victoria G.