Why CSA Stayed Away

The Catholic Student Association (CSA) was invited by Hillel to participate in a protest of Professor Leonard Jeffries in response to his racist and anti-Semitic remarks.

We, the Steering Committee of the CSA, are concerned with the framing of this protest in so far as it may be perceived to be directed against Jeffries himself, rather than focused solely on his hateful statements. For this reason we felt that speaking at the demonstration was not an appropriate forum for us.

However, we do join the sponsors of this event in condemning anti-Semitism, racism and homophobia. Divisive expressions of hatred have their roots in ignorance and are harmful because they denigrate the basic human dignity of those targeted by such diatribes.

We believe that all people are made in the image and likeness of God, and we understand the evil and danger of racism in all forms.

We are sensitive to the suffering that anti-Semitism has brought to the Hillel community and wish to state our solidarity with them. We also recognize the long-standing abuses against African-Americans.

Like Isaiah, we yearn for the day when "[all people] will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into sickles and when nation will not make war against nation." Mary T. Teichert '93   President Catholic Student Association Steering Committee