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Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 20, 2020 18:26:11 GMT -5
What a jarring and disappointing article: news.holycross.edu/blog/2020/10/30/holy-cross-continues-community-wide-effort-against-racism/Imagine Fr. Brook reading this? "...and while I realize that we don’t want to think of our College or ourselves as racist, the experience of our Black and Brown faculty, students and alumni indicates otherwise." Thanks for labeling me, my family members, and some of my classmates who will -- no doubt -- be lifelong friends as racists.
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Post by hchoops on Nov 20, 2020 18:45:52 GMT -5
This has no place to go but violating the political ban.
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Post by purplehaze on Nov 20, 2020 19:07:00 GMT -5
You’re so right. Some who read this might take off a ‘zero’ off their next contribution to alma mater
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 20, 2020 19:31:45 GMT -5
This has no place to go but violating the political ban. What's political about the director of the Office of the College Chaplains labeling Holy Cross, its students, and alumni as racist?
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Post by timholycross on Nov 20, 2020 21:29:43 GMT -5
I don't expect to sign a letter of apology any time soon.
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Post by purplehaze on Nov 20, 2020 21:40:33 GMT -5
If this article has legs, One more controversy for Fr. Boroughs before he exits
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Post by Sons of Vaval on Nov 20, 2020 21:43:03 GMT -5
You’re so right. Some who read this might take off a ‘zero’ off their next contribution to alma mater Or just not write the check.
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Post by hchoops on Nov 20, 2020 22:03:14 GMT -5
You’re so right. Some who read this might take off a ‘zero’ off their next contribution to alma mater Or just not write the check. Because of one person’s opinion ? I thought our school stood for freedom of expression, even if it is unpopular with some. is this what the term “ cancel culture” means ?
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Post by alum on Nov 20, 2020 22:22:04 GMT -5
What a jarring and disappointing article: news.holycross.edu/blog/2020/10/30/holy-cross-continues-community-wide-effort-against-racism/Imagine Fr. Brook reading this? "...and while I realize that we don’t want to think of our College or ourselves as racist, the experience of our Black and Brown faculty, students and alumni indicates otherwise." Thanks for labeling me, my family members, and some of my classmates who will -- no doubt -- be lifelong friends as racists. This article came out 3 weeks ago. If it was such a big deal why didn’t anyone notice before now? You cherry-pick one line to try to create a phony controversy. You are just looking to create a scene in the same way td128 did with the Professor Liew affair—a non story that was promoted in service of a mean spirited and intolerant agenda. If I get in trouble for this post so be it. We are all obliged to not only avoid racism but to also actively be anti racist.
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Post by alum on Nov 20, 2020 22:28:28 GMT -5
You’re so right. Some who read this might take off a ‘zero’ off their next contribution to alma mater And others will add a zero. As I recall the experts here insisted that Professor Liew and the Crusader name controversy would result in donations losses and decreased admissions applications. As we know, there is no proof of that
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Post by longsuffering on Nov 21, 2020 2:05:32 GMT -5
After reading the article I think it's standard fare at a Catholic liberal arts college in 2020. It would be more newsworthy if the Chaplain didn't see racism, sexism, etc., on campus.
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Post by Crucis#1 on Nov 21, 2020 2:10:33 GMT -5
The article provides her experience as a student and as an Alum.
No one has been labeled specifically. However self examination and reflection may be needed if one finds her comments offensive.
A HC man or woman who is possibly offended by the article, which has merit, should reflect and seek spiritual guidance regarding their interactions with others. The spiritual exercises at the Joyce Center with a focus on this topic would be a starting point when offered by the Chaplains Office. It may help in your clarity of understanding why the article was written. The Examen mentioned is in the Ignatian tradition of the college.
Instead of visceral reaction that is apparent in several statements above, I would hope that as educated persons, that an intellectual and Socratic dialogue would best be served regarding this topic. Ms Kearns-Barrett has brought forward a topic that some find uncomfortable while reading, imagine living with the being uncomfortable 24/7. It is not pleasant. Maybe one should start the dialogue with the motivations of Fr. Mulledy and the impact to the moral responsibilities of the Society of Jesus in the 21st Century.
Always amazing how people get immediately hot under the collar without taking time to truly examine and analyze the issue from multiple perspectives instead of their own linear view. Life is a prism. Look at it. See it. Embrace it. You will be a better person outside of your tribal bubble.
This issue is sociological and psychological and should be allowed the intellectual breath for discussion by all including Ms Kearns-Barrett.
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Post by Crucis#1 on Nov 21, 2020 2:27:48 GMT -5
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Post by td128 on Nov 21, 2020 5:04:43 GMT -5
. . .
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Post by newfieguy74 on Nov 21, 2020 7:26:53 GMT -5
I think that Fr. Brooks would endorse this article 100%. I don't find it the least bit controversial, and I applaud HC for continuing to have thoughtful dialogues about race. When I talk to black people and when I read what black people write I learn that every one of them is subjected to various forms of racism on a regular basis: being stopped by the police for no reason, being followed by security in a dept. store, being served more slowly in a restaurant, and countless micro-agressions. I was at HC in the early 70's and racism pervaded the campus. It appears there has been progress but there is more to do and I encourage all alums, in the spirit of HC's mission, to listen to, acknowledge, and amplify the voices of our black and brown students, faculty, and staff.
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Post by hcpride on Nov 21, 2020 8:43:42 GMT -5
“It’s time for an honest conversation about race in America”...could be words leading folks in a direction they are not anticipating. At all. (More than one conservative has made that observation.)
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Post by lou on Nov 21, 2020 8:59:05 GMT -5
The video with the three former football players posted some time ago discussed in some depth their experiences while students at HC
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Post by rgs318 on Nov 21, 2020 9:36:50 GMT -5
“It’s time for an honest conversation about race in America”...could be words leading folks in a direction they are not anticipating. At all. (More than one conservative has made that observation.) That statement seems to assume that such discussions have not taken place already for some. They, of course, have and I hope they continue - drawing more people into the discussion. Then, once it is time to move past "words" phase, to see actions started to ry to change some of the racism that exists throughout our society.
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Post by alum on Nov 22, 2020 13:58:01 GMT -5
Yes? What can we do for you?
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Post by nycrusader2010 on Nov 27, 2020 19:52:11 GMT -5
A few observations from my time at HC: I do believe that the College has some issues surrounding "racial inclusion" on campus, or the lack thereof:
1) We have a very active BSU as well as several other student groups made up of people of color with very strong strong membership. This is a double-edged sword, as students in these groups tend to form their friend groups from within. Having the support network is awesome but often leaves students of color on somewhat of their own island when it comes to campus social life. Not that they are by any means "excluded" but at a cliquey small college like Holy Cross, it may seem that way.
2) The summer before freshman year, a large number of the incoming students of color are invited to a four-week-long program that is not open to all incoming freshman (except the men's and women's basketball teams). This program results in a lot of life-long friendships and, again, a strong support network for students of color. However, one negative side effect, is that these students begin to form their own "bubble" before everyone else gets to campus. Just like if you were on Hanselman 1st floor freshman year and you end up forming most of your college friendship with guys you met on that floor the first month, students of color in the Horizons program tend to do the same with others they met in the program.
3) Comparing HC to my high school for a minute. I went to an academically very well known all-boys HS in Manhattan that is tuition free. The school was probably slightly less diverse than Holy Cross, due in large part because you had to be baptized Catholic to attend. Roughly 70% White, 20% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 5% African American if I had to guess. However, our admissions director always preached color-blindness, meaning that people ought to be judged and looked at by their cultural upbringing and life experiences as opposed to skin color. Furthermore, that the word diversity applies to far more than just race. HC preached kind of the opposite, more "let's celebrate our differences and be proud of our ethnic diversity" -- sort of tribalism if you will. Looking at both, my high school had the better approach of the two, the proof being the quality and quantity of interracial relationships amongst students. My HS also does not practice ethnic affirmative action, but does take into account the "financial need" for a free education, meaning that high-achieving students from low-income families have an edge in admissions. On an unrelated side note, it's also the only school I've ever heard of where legacy gives you an absolute zero boost in admissions.
4) From my observation over the years, New England and Metro Boston in particular tends to be racially balkanized. I never lived in Boston but dated someone living there for multiple years. I find that individuals of different ethnic backgrounds don't seem to mix as much in Boston as opposed to New York City. Maybe NYC is just one of a kind and I'm giving Boston a bad rap for race relations. But just going off what I've seen and observed.
Anyway, I wasn't overly offended or upset by the article. HC does have some work to do in the race relations department. It starts at the top IMO. The administration needs to stop treating racial diversity as a "feather in the cap" and something to plant on brochure covers. It's a small college of 3,000 undergrads -- allow us to celebrate our diversity of talent, skills and interests before immediately separating us into ethnic-based groups the moment we step on campus.
One thing I did notice early on at HC -- frosh students of color bonded much quicker with upperclassmen than their peers due to connections through Horizons program and BSU/ALANA student groups.
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Post by rgs318 on Nov 27, 2020 20:28:07 GMT -5
I see a difference between HC having made choices that show racial bias and HC being "racist." I know of no evidence that deliberate racist policies or practices existed at HC, either back in my days in the late '60s, or today. However, I do know of decisions that were unfortunate and would probably be avoided today, From my days teaching sociology, I remember asking students the percent of students on our class who are biased? The answer is, of course, 100%. It led to some good discussions. Was the school "racist?" No. BUT, there were some individuals who were and their cases were not always handled correctly.
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Post by longsuffering on Nov 27, 2020 23:39:25 GMT -5
A few observations from my time at HC: I do believe that the College has some issues surrounding "racial inclusion" on campus, or the lack thereof: 1) We have a very active BSU as well as several other student groups made up of people of color with very strong strong membership. This is a double-edged sword, as students in these groups tend to form their friend groups from within. Having the support network is awesome but often leaves students of color on somewhat of their own island when it comes to campus social life. Not that they are by any means "excluded" but at a cliquey small college like Holy Cross, it may seem that way. 2) The summer before freshman year, a large number of the incoming students of color are invited to a four-week-long program that is not open to all incoming freshman (except the men's and women's basketball teams). This program results in a lot of life-long friendships and, again, a strong support network for students of color. However, one negative side effect, is that these students begin to form their own "bubble" before everyone else gets to campus. Just like if you were on Hanselman 1st floor freshman year and you end up forming most of your college friendship with guys you met on that floor the first month, students of color in the Horizons program tend to do the same with others they met in the program. 3) Comparing HC to my high school for a minute. I went to an academically very well known all-boys HS in Manhattan that is tuition free. The school was probably slightly less diverse than Holy Cross, due in large part because you had to be baptized Catholic to attend. Roughly 70% White, 20% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 5% African American if I had to guess. However, our admissions director always preached color-blindness, meaning that people ought to be judged and looked at by their cultural upbringing and life experiences as opposed to skin color. Furthermore, that the word diversity applies to far more than just race. HC preached kind of the opposite, more "let's celebrate our differences and be proud of our ethnic diversity" -- sort of tribalism if you will. Looking at both, my high school had the better approach of the two, the proof being the quality and quantity of interracial relationships amongst students. My HS also does not practice ethnic affirmative action, but does take into account the "financial need" for a free education, meaning that high-achieving students from low-income families have an edge in admissions. On an unrelated side note, it's also the only school I've ever heard of where legacy gives you an absolute zero boost in admissions. 4) From my observation over the years, New England and Metro Boston in particular tends to be racially balkanized. I never lived in Boston but dated someone living there for multiple years. I find that individuals of different ethnic backgrounds don't seem to mix as much in Boston as opposed to New York City. Maybe NYC is just one of a kind and I'm giving Boston a bad rap for race relations. But just going off what I've seen and observed. Anyway, I wasn't overly offended or upset by the article. HC does have some work to do in the race relations department. It starts at the top IMO. The administration needs to stop treating racial diversity as a "feather in the cap" and something to plant on brochure covers. It's a small college of 3,000 undergrads -- allow us to celebrate our diversity of talent, skills and interests before immediately separating us into ethnic-based groups the moment we step on campus. One thing I did notice early on at HC -- frosh students of color bonded much quicker with upperclassmen than their peers due to connections through Horizons program and BSU/ALANA student groups. Nailed it. I wonder if the four week long Horizons program was designed with a sunset clause? Hopefully as a society we are making progress in equality and inclusiveness so the racial category of incoming freshmen will become slightly less of a defining characteristic each year. Supporting students of color has been a good investment for HC, however. The first group that Father Brooks recruited yielded Pulitzer Prize winner Edward P. Jones, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Ted Wells, Stan Grayson, etc.
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Post by CHC8485 on Nov 28, 2020 9:28:01 GMT -5
I believe the program being referenced is the Odyssey Program, which is a week long and is targeted to The FAQs here describe the program in a little more detail www.holycross.edu/orientations-information-incoming-students/odyssey/frequently-asked-questionsI think the Odyssey program is important for those students but I also generally agree with the larger point and would like to see more work done at the college to incorporate diversity elements into existing, traditional campus activities and programs rather than seeing more stand alone diversity activities and programs.
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Post by nycrusader2010 on Nov 28, 2020 12:08:41 GMT -5
One part of the article that caught my attention, the question, "What sport do you play?" directed at a black student by a presumably white racial profiler. Sweetheart, this is the Patriot League. You don't get in any easier here for playing a sport, no matter what color you are.
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Post by newfieguy74 on Nov 28, 2020 17:07:59 GMT -5
But the point wasn't whether it's easier for an athlete to get into HC, the point is that a white student assumed that a black student was at HC because he played a sport. Black people deal with such micro aggressions every day.
I'm curious: who is the "Sweetheart" in this post?
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