A message from Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D., chief equity and inclusion officer: We will walk the path

Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D., chief equity and inclusion officer for Loyola University Maryland, published this message for the Loyola community on June 1, 2020

We express our deepest condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery for the recent, tragic loss of the lives of their loved ones due to racism, bigotry and injustice. We also pause in this moment to acknowledge our own feelings of grief, frustration, and deep dismay that we once again, as a nation, face the horrific legacy of institutional racism, inequity, and exclusion that has resulted in the loss of precious life.

As Loyola University Maryland’s inaugural chief equity and inclusion officer, I must admit this week has been a difficult one for me. More than once I have struggled to process the depth of our collective inability to fully see each other’s humanity. The brutality of racism has taken the breath of our brother and is choking the very life of our nation.

This past weekend, tens of thousands took to the streets to make a difference. In our work at Loyola we, too, can make a difference. Our institutional tradition provides a path.

What has provided comfort to me over these past few days is our path. You and I as members of the Loyola University Maryland community, reconciled in solidarity, are companions in the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As co-authors of this chapter of the Catholic, Jesuit educational story, we have the opportunity to make a tremendous, positive difference in the world. Over the coming academic year, we will explore what it means to be a true ally in the work of antiracism, equity, and inclusion. We will also move to full implementation of our first university-wide strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will walk the path.

Our ability to live our mission is what makes Loyola such a special institution and gives us the power to stand witness to strong truths well lived.

I look forward to our continued work together for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Loyola. Stay strong, Loyola. Be well.