ON CAMPUS
HOW CAN WE
DO BETTER? Ursuline began 2020 with an eye toward racial justice. Early this year, members of the administration began quietly talking about the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Are we living and modeling the Catholic social justice teachings of our day? How do we help our community members better understand racial justice? Are we doing all we can do to prepare our students for the world in which we hope they bring about positive change? With these and other questions in mind, school leadership began seeking outside resources to help Ursuline advance its efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice. In March, the arrival of COVID-19 and the unexpected transition to distance learning demanded the administration’s full attention, but the global outcry against individual and institutional racism this spring prompted Ursuline to resume its efforts. Utilizing the school’s own administrative team as well as Dr. Liza Talusan, a highly-regarded facilitator in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ursuline has engaged in a series of conversations about how to effect systemic change at Ursuline that is both meaningful and sustainable. Along with countless other institutions across the country, Ursuline is answering the call to examine its actions with honesty and institute change to make our community more just, more aware, more diverse, more inclusive. As we look toward the new school year, President Kate Levesque assures the community, “This is the beginning; there is much more for us to do. We start this journey by affirming every member of the Ursuline community, their voices, their perspectives, and the uniqueness of their stories. We will do better.” Preliminary Initiatives In May, Bermina Chery ’21 and Alessandra Masso ’21 reached out to Principal and Director of Mission Mary-Kate Tracy, interested in beginning a student-led racial justice effort. Discussions have continued over the summer and a club will be launched with the return to school this fall. In early summer, all employees had the opportunity to participate in a day of reflection led by Mary-Kate Tracy. Elements included a deeply moving prayer service of accountability as well as time for personal reflection. End-of-the-year professional development gave faculty the time to begin examining curriculum through the lens of racial justice and equity. In July, more than 30 community members joined Kate Levesque and Mary-Kate Tracy for a virtual town hall forum discussion of racial justice and equity at Ursuline. Efforts are underway to convene a Racial Justice and Equity task force whose efforts will become part of the school’s forthcoming strategic planning initiative. Faculty and staff will participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion professional development prior to the opening of school in September.
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