“Like many of you, I watched yesterday’s troubling events in Washington with deep concern, first, for our democracy, but also for the safety and health of all those who were being attacked because of the unwillingness of some to accept the results of the November presidential election. As a Jesuit and Mercy university, we teach and promote truth, justice, non-violence, respect and the ability to engage in dialogue with those whose opinions may be different from our own. Violence never solves discord, and yesterday’s destructive actions were both deplorable and unlawful. We pray for those who were injured and lost their lives. Now more than ever, let us do all we can — individually and collectively — to unify our divided country and communities. I encourage you to read the collective statement from me and presidents of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, which is included below.
Stay safe and healthy so we can see each other in person very soon!”
Sincerely,
Antoine M. Garibaldi
President
Jesuit College & University Presidents Call for End to Violence
We, the presidents of the Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, condemn in the strongest terms the assault on our democratic processes by the mob that attempted to interfere with yesterday’s Electoral College certification in our nation’s capital. We join with those citizens and civic organizations across the country that call for an end to the rhetoric and violence that have surrounded this otherwise peaceful election.
Violence of any kind is inimical to the principles of democracy upon which this nation was built. The motivations and actions of those who have persisted in denigrating our system of laws are a sad and unfortunate result of tactics that have torn the fabric of our nation.
The president and his adherents bear responsibility for perpetuating false rumors and unsubstantiated facts regarding the election. It is time that the president concede his loss to duly-elected President Biden and allow the smooth and peaceful transition of power, which will be completed on January 20th.
As leaders of institutions dedicated to the promotion of justice and truth, we commit ourselves to working for understanding and reconciliation in the days ahead. We call for a recommitment to the ideals of fairness, justice, racial equity, and inclusion to which our nation aspires today.
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
President, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J.
President, Boston College
John J. Hurley, J.D.
President, Canisius College
Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J.
President, College of the Holy Cross
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, S.J.
President, Creighton University
Dr. Mark R. Nemec
President, Fairfield University
Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
President, Fordham University
Dr. John J. DeGioia
President, Georgetown University
Dr. Thayne M. McCulloh
President, Gonzaga University
Dr. Michael D. Johnson
President, John Carroll University
Dr. Linda M. LeMura
President, Le Moyne College
Dr. Timothy Law Snyder
President, Loyola Marymount University
Dr. Jo Ann Rooney
President, Loyola University Chicago
Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J.
President, Loyola University Maryland
Tania Tetlow, J.D.
President, Loyola University New Orleans
Dr. Michael R. Lovell
President, Marquette University
Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J.
President, Regis University
Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J.
President, Rockhurst University
Dr. Mark C. Reed
President, Saint Joseph’s University
Dr. Fred Pestello
President, Saint Louis University
Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia
President, Saint Peter’s University
Rev. Kevin F. O’Brien, S.J.
President, Santa Clara University
Rev. Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President, Seattle University
Dr. E. Joseph Lee, II
President, Spring Hill College
Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President, The University of Scranton
Dr. Antoine M. Garibaldi
President, University of Detroit Mercy
Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.
President, University of San Francisco
Rev. Michael J. Graham, S.J.
President, Xavier University