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Dear USD Community,
It is wonderful to welcome you back to campus for the spring semester. I hope the holiday season and Intersession brought you time with loved ones and opportunities to recharge in preparation for the busy months ahead.
As we reconvene for spring classes, I recognize it is against a backdrop of continued divisions in our country and our world. Watching the actions of federal immigration officers in Minneapolis over the past few weeks has created concern and anxiety, and heightened everyone’s awareness that the rule of law must also come with a respect for the dignity of every human being. In a healthy and prospering democracy, the rule of law exists to protect individual freedoms, but today, many are arguing that individual rights, protected by the Constitution, are under assault. As an academic community, we must continue to search for the truth and that requires an unwavering defense of academic freedom and the freedom of inquiry in all that we do.
Last November, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a special message on immigration that gives us guidance on where we should stand. The Bishops note that “human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of good will work together.” At a university like USD, recognized for community and civic engagement, this is possible through respectful dialogue, education and opportunities to serve marginalized communities. We have a unique and important opportunity at USD to channel our collective talents, explore what it means to be human and advocate for the dignity of all, in alignment with the message from the Bishops.
In times like these, it is easy to think that we have no power to bring about change. Nothing could be further from the truth. So what can you do to stand in solidarity with the Catholic Bishops and other concerned citizens across our nation? Find a way to be civically engaged. Engagement can take many different forms. One simple way is to participate in special lectures, guest speakers, workshops and seminars on current issues offered on our campus, especially those that challenge your own beliefs. Participate in one of the campus dialogues through the Civil Discourse Initiative. Another way is to volunteer at a local organization that serves immigrants, refugees and other marginalized populations. If you belong to a student organization, encourage your fellow members to raise money in support of a cause in alignment with your values. Organize a writing campaign to local, state and federal elected officials asking for the reforms you seek. Participate in peaceful, non-violent protests or write an opinion piece or letter to the editor clearly stating your arguments for change. Vote. Pray.
Just as a civil and just society has to find balance, as a contemporary Catholic university located on an international border, we need to lean into our own values to understand what role we can each play at this moment as Changemakers committed to confronting humanity’s challenges. I am reminded of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who asks us to consider how we might actively strengthen the fabric of our communities. Dr. King said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?’”
During times of uncertainty, we need to take care of each other, and as our “Year of Wellness” continues, our team in Student Affairs continues to offer programming as part of the Toreros Together for the Common Good initiative, including a list of spring events for all students. In light of the challenges that face our society, it is more important than ever that we tap into these resources and create connections.
In keeping our community safe, I also want to remind you of our general university response to changes in Federal policy and protocols. Additional resources for students, faculty and staff are also listed at the end of this message.
I invite us to come together as a community to celebrate the beautiful diversity of faith traditions that can be found on our campus for a signature USD tradition: the All-Faith Service on February 12. This year, we gather under a timely and important theme: 'United in Peace, Working for Justice: Practicing the Wisdom of Solidarity.'
Thank you for all you do to strengthen our community each and every day and for finding many beautiful ways of answering the urgent question: what are you doing for others? I wish you a successful spring semester.
Peace,
James T. Harris III, DEd
President
Volunteer and Engagement Opportunities:
Additional Support Resources for Students, Faculty and Staff:
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