By Katelyn Norris and Leah Wilkinson
This past week, some members of the student body emailed several in the administration — including Bellarmine President Dr. Susan Donovan, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Helen Grace Ryan and Dean of Students Dr. Sean McGreevey — advocating for the cancellation of classes in response to the announcement of the charges filed the Breonna Taylor case.
Donovan sent out an email responding to the case, echoing students’ plea for a day off.
We believe Donovan’s response was timely and in line with students’ wants and needs. To us, a good university leader is one who listens to the student body in times of distress. Not only did Donovan cancel classes for the remainder of Sept. 23 but also for the following day, Sept. 24.
Donovan advocated for protesting and provided resources for students. She also reminded them of Louisville’s 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. curfew.
Donovan’s response shows she cares about those who are advocating for social change. It’s nice to see our university’s president adding to Bellarmine’s long history of fighting for racial equality.
“As a Catholic institution, we believe in the sanctity of life, and further, in the interconnectedness of life,” Donovan said in the email.
She shared with students that the President’s Advisory Board on Equity and Inclusion, as well as well as departments and schools across the university, were working on ways to “strengthen equitable access and social justice.” This is just the first step to making our campus a safe space for marginalized groups. If everyone is working together to uplift diverse voices and communities on campus, we are making a place that is inclusive for all.
Donovan encouraged members of the Bellarmine community to continue to educate themselves on the various ways racism remains in our nation.
“I urge the white members of our Bellarmine community to educate yourselves on systemic racism, recognize your part in it, and work toward inclusion,” Donovan said in the email.
We believe Donovan’s decision to cancel classes and encourage students to protest should not be one met with questions but rather one that results in action toward equality by members of the Bellarmine community.