College takes stand on divisive rhetoric, bigotry

The following statement was circulated among the campus community of Saint Michael’s College on December 15 in response to recent world and national news.

Statement from the President’s Cabinet

Saint Michael’s College has a rich history of welcoming learners from all countries and religious affiliations.  In fact, our college started to educate Catholic immigrants in the early 1900s, and our Applied Linguistics Department began, in part, because of the influx of refugees following the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and their desire to learn English and assimilate in their new culture.  Furthermore, our commitment to the social and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education and the Edmundite charism of hospitality, underscore our belief that diversity and inclusion are required for a learning environment which seeks to prepare students for meaningful and productive lives in an increasingly interconnected world.

Sadly, it seems that with each passing day we are inundated with divisive rhetoric aimed at various groups both within and outside of our country.  This language has fomented violence and bigotry, neither of which has any purpose or place in our institution and, we would argue, our country and the world.  We reject the rhetoric and violence that threatens our fundamental values as a country, and add our voices in support of those who are affected by it, especially Muslims and persons of color.   We encourage all in our community to comfort those who may feel vulnerable and to reassure them that we, at Saint Michael’s College, welcome their presence and offer them our support.  ​

Jack Neuhauser, President

Bill Anderson, Chief Information Officer

Tara Arcury, Assistant to the President

Fr. Brian Cummings, SSE, Director of Campus Ministry

Dawn Ellinwood, VP for Student Affairs

Patrick Gallivan, VP for Institutional Advancement/Govt. and Community Relations

Sarah Kelly, VP for Enrollment and Marketing

Mike New, VP for Human Resources and Administration

Neal Robinson, VP for Finance

Karen Talentino, VP for Academic Affairs