The Lasallian Educational Community stands united in denouncing racism, calls for justice and action, and commits to bringing forth real change.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of all teachers, founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Christian Brothers) in 17th century France in response to systemic injustice. Saint La Salle and the first Brothers opened schools to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor and socially marginalized. Today, Lasallian ministries continue to follow his vision by welcoming young people into inclusive communities centered on Catholic tradition, faith formation, personal relationships, academic excellence, respect and dignity, selfless service and social justice.
Brother Superior General Robert Schieler, FSC, released this message to Brothers and Lasallian Partners in RELAN on June 4, encouraging Lasallians to “persevere in our educational mission to bring about systemic change for a more just and peaceful world for everyone.” Read the full message >
Sit to Breathe Sit In. Courtesy Peg Hodapp
Among the efforts already in process, the District of Eastern North America (DENA) has established a Racial Justice Coalition to guide the District in thought and action and provided a page of resources, a number of colleges and universities have introduced plans for conversation, healing and action, and students and recent graduates of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis helped organize a “Sit to Breathe Sit In” at the Minnesota State Capitol. Lasallian Volunteers released a letter, committing themselves to support the fight for justice. Lasallian education is represented in the National Catholic Educational Association’s special August 2020 issue of Momentum addressing racism in this ad.
This page includes statements and actions from around the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN). Brother Timothy Coldwell, FSC, General Councilor for RELAN, encourages Lasallians to review the information on this page, writing, “I hope you will be able to spend some time reading the many ‘cries from the heart’ that have emerged in these past days and allow them to join the emotions and passions of your own heart. The societies of our Region include many people and perspectives and yet in that diversity our Lasallian voice offers a unity; it is a prophetic voice that resides in the heart and memory of our Lasallian charism. And this voice echoes Isaiah’s in announcing that ‘Justice will bring about peace.’
“Every ounce of our conviction and energy is dedicated to building the Reign of God through our educational and evangelizing mission. All of our educational work is centered on the youth and young adults who hunger for justice and peace, and everything we do in our ministry has as its purpose the promotion of the dignity of the young person, who we are convinced is the loving face of Jesus abiding in our hearts. The prophetic voices in this groundswell call us to concrete action to stand against racism and stand with those whose life and dignity is assaulted. Let us unite in solidarity and love, passion and prayer, justice and action to build the Reign of God for God’s people, especially the young and poor.”
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