VOICES OF TRINITY: CLASS OF 2024 SHARE AMAZING STORIES!
May 12, 2024
Congratulations to all students who are graduating this week with the Class of 2024, a great Red Class! I am delighted to share some of the very moving, powerful stories of members of this class. If you’d like to share yours, we still have time! Send me a paragraph and a photo to president@trinitydc.edu
Diane Nelson, NHP, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
After working for many years as a LPN, I entered Trinity Washington University in 2012 through the SPS. I was a pre-licensure nursing student with a desire to get my BSN.
My journey has been one of navigating through pain, grief, loss and obstacles on the road. During this period, I had to take a leave of absence on two occasions because of the caregiver role that required me to care for members of my family. Those family members are not here with me now, but I honor them every day. My resilient journey is a testament to them as well.
This “older adult” is so grateful to Trinity Washington University, for supporting me on a revealing and inspiring journey. I am looking forward to being an advocate, mentor and an inspiration to others as they pursue their own journey of spiritual, physical and intellectual growth.
Sundarys Spencer, SPS, BA in Early Childhood Community Education
My name is Sundarys Spencer and I am proud to be a Panamanian graduating with a bachelors in community education. This means a lot to me because I wanted to become a teacher because I grew up with a family of educators. This has been a long process because I work full time during the day and I was attending the evening classes at Trinity but it wasn’t impossible. I am grateful for the professors that were graceful and understood how difficult it was to work and attend school at the same time.
Tracy Evans, SPS, BS in Accounting
I cannot believe I am graduating with a bachelors degree at 53 years of age. I was a homeless kid my junior and senior years of high school and never graduated. In 2010 I obtained my GED after realizing I was being a hypocrite to my children, yelling at them to keep their grades up. I thought I was complete. Three years later, my sister asked me what I was going to do with my GED. I responded, nothing. What was I supposed to do?. She said I was to enroll in college. So I did.
My first class was 18th Century Art (which I knew nothing about) but I somehow passed the class. YAY me. I was on the Dean’s List, learned about APA and was purchasing gear. Then my mom passed away and my #1 cheerleader and motivator was gone. I tried to return but the drive was not there. It is said “the children will lead”. I watched my nephew earn his undergrad from Morehouse and his Masters and PhD from the University of Miami.
I found my motivation. I contacted my advisor who advised me I had 6 classes to go. I work 7 days a week, attended hybrid classes AND I am now eligible to graduate with my Bachelors in Accounting. I have been accepted to the Masters Program at Trinity and started the research for a Phd program. While my Mom was my biggest motivator and cheerleader, I am proud as a single mom of four children whom I got through high school. They are proud of me. They cheer me on. They motivate me. I’m a grandma now. The babies are still leading me to do better and be better. I am grateful for Trinity’s SPS Program. I am proud to become a Trinity Alum.
Sierre Allen, SPS, BA in Early Childhood Education 
God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers and I must be indestructible because these four years have been the ultimate test, but I persevered. I am a walking testimony that you can be anything and do anything you set out to be.
Becoming a teen mom at 17 changed my life completely. I wanted to finish high school and attend college, but I did not have the support needed to get there so that forced me to drop out of high school. Leaving high school as an honor roll student when I was determined to go back and finish really put me in a terrible mental space.From that point, depression set in, but I knew I had a mission in life and that was to be something great.
My life already had its challenges from growing up in what they consider “the hood” in DC and living in poverty would already create challenges throughout my life and now I have a child to care for which made it ten times harder. I also had to deal with so many people having their own viewpoints on my life and how it wasn’t going to be possible for me to be successful because I had a baby young really took a toll on me. The one thing that I always remembered is that I am smart and I am the author of my own story. I knew that anything is possible and you must start somewhere even if there are challenges.
So I went back to school and got my GED because I knew I could do it. I gave myself a few years to bring in some income so that I was able to take care of my daughter. When covid hit, the perfect opportunity to attend college came because all classes were online so I had time to figure out a babysitter when the time came to start going to class in person. Once I started college, more obstacles came, but I didn’t let it stop me. My dad passed away two months after I started my first semester, Fighting for custody for two years to gain guardianship of my younger brother, losing my stepfather in January of this year and then my aunt two months later. I say this all to say no matter how tough life gets, you will get through it. You have to stay strong and keep going because you are the Author of your own story. Everyone will have a story in the end as to how they got there, but all that matters is that you made it!
Rita Larkins, BGS, Master of Business Administration
My name is Rita Larkins. Soon, I will be a proud graduate in the MBA Program. As I stand just weeks away from graduation, I find myself engulfed in a whirlwind of reflection and celebration. This moment not only marks the culmination of one journey but also signals the beginning of another, filled with boundless possibilities and untold adventures.
Throughout the past three years, we’ve weathered the storm of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, navigated through uncharted territories of knowledge, and juggled the responsibilities of work, family, and academics. Yet, amidst the chaos, we’ve emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. Trinity has been our laboratory, shaping us into individuals equipped to tackle the challenges of business, finance, and entrepreneurship with unwavering determination.
As I look towards the next chapter, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose—a drive to not only excel in my chosen field but also to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The pursuit of a Ph.D. beckons, fueled by a desire to leave an indelible mark on this world.
I depart Trinity, armed with the wisdom gained from my experiences. I am ready to embark on a journey of service and excellence, knowing that every step forward brings new opportunities for growth and learning. In a world where perfection is often hailed as the ultimate goal, I am reminded that true progress lies in our willingness to embrace imperfection and continuously strive for improvement—not just for ourselves but for the betterment of our communities. We are the example that all things are possible.
To my fellow graduates, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. May we continue to forge ahead with courage and conviction, leaving a trail of impact and inspiration in our path forward.
Sarah Jalloh, CAS, BA in Health Services
I feel so honored to be graduating from Trinity. Even though my journey was a bittersweet one but I’m grateful it’s all ends in praise.
I relocated to States from Sierra Leone ( West Africa) when I was 20 years old by myself. My main goal was for me to further my education and make my family proud. I enrolled myself to Trinity 2018 and began my education journey 2019, it’s been 5 years of wonderful experiences. As I work full time and go to school full time, it was really hard but I keep pushing myself to be a better student. With the help of wonderful Professors, Advisors and Managements at Trinity, I was able to get through the difficult times.
Today I’m a 27 year old young lady who Trinity Washington University has shaped, taught, prepared and trained for a better future with integrity, good leadership skills, respect, empathy and good values. I’m proud of my school and ready to represent Trinity.
As I walk proudly on stage in few weeks to receive my B.A in Health Services, I want to take this moment and thank all my Professors, the office of enrollment, thank you. My advisors throughout the years, thank you. President Pat McGuire, thank you. Dean Bowie, thank you. Ms. Martha Molina, thank you.
On January, I sponsored and relocated my Parents to the States and they will be here to celebrate with me. I will like to dedicate my Degree to them, mom and Dad I made you proud. Also, to my husband who is serving in the U.S Air Force, I want to thank you for your wonderful support. I am living my American dream. Thank you again Trinity, I will definitely come back for my Masters. Congratulations red class of 2024, we did it.
Kristina Fleming, SPS, AA in General Studies
My name is Kristina Fleming and I am a first generation graduate. I am so excited to have reached this milestone as I have worked tremendously hard to get here.
Where I come from most people do not receive a degree or a high-school diploma. There were times I wanted to quit because things got rough but I didn’t, because I couldn’t. I grew up in foster care with a child who was 1 year at the time and I always told myself if I want better I have to do better. So here I am receiving my degree and going on to further my education to become a social worker.
Despite the immense challenges faced, I managed to graduate from college with becoming a shining example of perseverance and determination. My journey from being a teen mom to overcoming a life-threatening health crisis is a testament to my indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to achieving my dreams.
As I walk across the stage to receive my diploma, tears of joy and triumph will stream down my face, knowing that I defied the odds and emerged stronger than ever. I would like to thank Karen Gerlach, My professors, the mentors from my scholarship program, and anyone else who played a role in helping me succeed. I Beat the odds!
Chiquita Page, SPS, BA in Early Childhood Education
When I started my journey at Trinity 6.5 years ago, I didn’t think I would finish. It was just talk to try the “college thing” and increase my income. There were many trials and errors and days I just wanted to quit. However, Trinity has some REAL LIFE professors who wouldn’t allow me to give up and not to mention some AWESOME students who can motivate and push you to be successful.
As a mother of 3 I wanted to give my children something more to be proud of their mother AND completing my undergraduate degree is just the icing on the cake. My village has grown throughout my educational career and although I will be back for my masters it is safe to say I will forever endure the undergrad journey.
Trinity WE did it! You all got Chiquita through it and successfully, check those grades out. When you are focused, determined and willing to be successful then success is what you will be!
Dione Janifer, SPS, BA Early Childhood and Community Education
My name is Dione Janifer. I am number 2 of K-6 or Kathy’s 6 as my siblings and I lovingly refer to ourselves in memory of our late mother. After graduating from Trinity Washington University in my living room in the midst of the pandemic January of 2021 I was encouraged to continue my studies. I knew my goal was to obtain a bachelor’s degree and so I started working towards my degree in Early Childhood Community Education the following year. The support of the DC Lead Scholarship and the amazing professors here at Trinity Washington University supported my academic journey. My family and loved ones kept me encouraged and motivated during the tough times of balancing academic studies and working full time. This degree is a symbol of perseverance and determination because on the toughest day I never lost sight of the goal.
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The Influential Women Who Founded Trinity
April 30, 2024
Sr. Julia McGroarty, Founder of Trinity
Last week we celebrated another delightful Founders Day, paying tribute to Sr. Julia McGroarty and the Sisters of Notre Dame whose courage and vision made today’s Trinity possible.
On April 15, Trinity Campus Minister Sr. Ann Howard, SNDdeN, (photo below) gave a wonderful talk on the Sisters of Notre Dame who founded Trinity. This presentation followed an earlier talk by Fr. Stephen Thorne on Trinity’s Catholic identity. Sr. Ann gave me permission to publish her talk on my blog. Enjoy!
Sr. Ann Howard on The Influential Founders of Trinity
Good noontime, everyone! Welcome to Breaking Bread with the Sisters, an event sponsored by the Billiart Center for Social Justice at Trinity Washington University.
Look around, everyone is welcome! This event is open to students, staff and faculty and alumnae alike… and includes three parts- nibbling, listening, and socializing. FYI, the homemade whole wheat bread is baked by Sr. Camilla Burns, and the water provided by Sr. Mary Hayes.
Today, our topic is “the beginnings of Trinity: Who were the three most influential founders and their peers?
How Trinity began and who were the main protagonists, and how and why we are here today. Following this presentation on the founders of Trinity you will be sharing thoughts at your tables with your table-mates. Today, Rose Parlor looks like the Synod in Rome! We begin with the Trinity Prayer:
The Trinity Prayer
May the Power of the good God govern and protect us.
May the wisdom of the son teach and enlighten us.
May the love of the Holy Spirit renew and quicken us.
May the Blessing of the All Holy Trinity:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with us now and forever. Amen.
The last time we gathered, Fr. Thorne (photo below) spoke about the Catholic Identity that Trinity Washington University enjoys. He named four pillars—Sacred Encounter (how we say hello to each other and learn each others’ names), Catholic Social Teaching, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and having an Open Mindset , on which Trinity, as a Catholic institute of higher learning rests. Trinity’s beginnings are very interesting, now celebrating 125 years.
I am referencing four sources for this presentation: Sr. Mary Hayes’s article on the Founding of Trinity College and the Design of a Program for the Higher Education of Women, which she presented in 1982 before the American Catholic Historical Association. Three Against the Wind, by Sr. Angela Elizabeth Keenan, Christian Classics, 1973, and Trinity College, The First 80 Years, 1897- 1977, the purple book, by Sr. Columba Mullally, in Christian Classics 1987. I also draw from President Patricia McGuire’s blogs.
In the late 1800’s the Catholic orders of Sisters in the United States were coming from Europe as missionaries. Many of them were charged with starting schools for Catholic children. The Sisters of Mercy, the Daughters of Charity, The Blessed Sacrament Sisters, and so many other religious orders worked basically for free to educate the children across the US. Why education? Because education offers a person a chance to realize herself. The gospel mandate, spoken in John’s gospel by Jesus, says, “I have come that you may have life to the full.” Education can lead one to fullness of life. (John10:10)
In cities and in rural areas, Catholic Sisters took it upon themselves, with the invitation of various local bishops, to establish schools for children, many of whom were immigrants.
In 1840, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur came from Belgium to Ohio as missionaries, to begin the US ‘mission’ which today extends—in the US– from the west coast to the east coast.
Fast-forward fifty years to 1889, when Catholic University was being built in DC, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur were situated in this region, and taught at Notre Dame Academy for Girls where North Capitol meets K St.
Most Catholic colleges have a founding order, a Religious Congregation that imbues their own ‘spirit’, their charism, onto the school they build. For example, Jesuit college prep schools, and universities teach St. Ignatius’s charism with the words, “Men and women for others,” and, “Seeing God in all things.”
Because the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have a charism to make known the “Goodness of God in all of life’s circumstances,” Notre Dame Academies celebrate God’s Goodness. Even today, in California, Ohio, Maryland and Massachusetts, Notre Dame Hallmarks affirm how to “Live the Good” by helping others. They relate to the story of how the spark of Goodness—that fell from the heart of God to St. Julie, the founder of the order, and to all of us—is present within a Notre Dame institution. The institution’s charism offers this message to the world.
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur founded Trinity College, now Trinity Washington University, so we are graced, in spirit, with attention to the Goodness of God.
While some Religious congregations spring from a Diocese, answering to the local ordinary, or Bishop, and exercising their ministries in a geographic area called a diocese; the SNDdeN were founded in 1804, in France, and are a Pontifical Institute, meaning we relate to the Pope and our mission extends to many places – on five continents–throughout the world. Julie Billiart, an intelligent peasant woman, and Francoise Blin de Bourdon, an aristocrat who experienced imprisonment during the French Revolution, believed in God’s goodness and they sought to educate women and girls. Founded in 1804, in France, just after the French Revolution had traumatized their society, the Sisters of Notre Dame started with a ‘spark from the heart of God onto the heart’ of Julie and Francoise. It is poetic language, yes, and that was 1804.
In 1904, one hundred years later, the first graduating class of Trinity College received their degrees and went on to live lives of promise, endowed with education. How did this come about when popular belief was that girls did not need to be educated?
In 1889, the Catholic University of America opened its doors to men from across the country. CUA is a Pontifical university that does not have the charism of one religious foundation, but that draws support from all the US Catholic Bishops. In the beginning, most students were seminarians, studying theology and religious studies. Today, CUA educates men and women with a variety of majors.
According to Sr. Hayes’ paper on this topic, there were women who applied to CUA at the start, and some at CUA were anxious to respond to these women and others who sought to be educated in a Catholic environment. In 1897, the Sisters of Notre Dame, namely Sr. Julia McGroarty and Sr. Mary Euphrasia Taylor believed it was time for women to enjoy higher education in DC.
They thought of founding an elite academy, and were encouraged, instead, to build a college, a free-standing Catholic university for women, and this, they did!
Who were these key players, known as the founders of Trinity College? Some of their pictures hang in the first floor marble corridor of Trinity’s Main Hall. In addition to Srs. Julia McGroarty and Mary Euphrasia Taylor (photos elsewhere on this blog), the founders included some important priests and bishops who supported the founding of Trinity despite a great deal of criticism from those who believed that women should not go to college. Some of the supporting clerics included:
Left to right:
James Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop of Baltimore
Fr. Philip Garrigan, Vice Rector of Catholic University
Monsignor William Kerby, Professor of Sociology at Catholic University
Fr. Thomas Conaty, Rector of Catholic University
From March, 1897 until October of 1900, these key players and many besides them, worked diligently to make Trinity College a reality.
Let’s take a look at the founding Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur; there are three who are illustrated beautifully in this book called, Three Against the Wind, by Sr. Keenan.
Sr. Julia McGroarty, born Susan McGroarty, was born 1827. She was about 4 years old when her family migrated from Ireland to Cincinnati, Ohio with 5 children and then they had 5 more children. They were seeking to join their relatives who had already come, and to enhance their children’s prospects for education and work in this country. In 1838 her father died when Susan was 11 years old. She relied heavily on the teachers she knew, namely, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Susan joined the Sisters and pronounced her vows in 1848. We must mention her dear teacher and life-long friend and mentor, Sr. Louise, who was one of the original Sisters to set sail from Belgium and arrive in Cincinnati in 1840.
Sr. Julia had a strong intellect and was recognized as a leader. She became Superior of the missions of SNDdeN in California and across the US to New England and the Mid-Atlantic. She was well acquainted with the educational platforms here, and was instrumental in securing the documentation, physical plant, and curriculum that developed over the course of the last 4 years of her life, in collaboration with Sr. Euphrasia and other founders of Trinity. Sr. Julia , according to Sr. Hayes, had, “the insight, the experience, and the scholarly instincts to provide the leadership for founding the college.” (The Founding of Trinity, Mary Hayes, SND 1982)
Sr. Julia died in 1901, just one year after Trinity College was opened.
Sr. Mary Euphrasia, born Ella Taylor, was born 1851, in her beloved Richmond, Virginia. When she was 9 years old the Civil War was enacted on her family’s doorsteps. Her beloved Virginia seceded to the Confederacy. It sounds like they had servant-slavepersons in their home, and soldiers on their streets, as the war began. They were Episcopalian. Her father died of typhoid fever when Ella was just 10, a casualty of the War. He left her with these words, “Wisdom is better than Gold”. Ella’s education included time at boarding school and Patapsco Academy in Maryland as she studied Latin, Greek, French, Spanish, German and Italian as well as courses in Physical Sciences, Math, and Philosophy. In 1867, at age 16, Ella chose to be baptized Catholic by Cardinal Gibbons (p.58, Three), and, after graduating, she joined the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1873 in Philadelphia, moving to Cincinnati, and eventually in Washington, DC.
In Philadelphia, Ella Taylor took the religious name of Sr. Mary Euphrasia (together, Euphrasia!). According to Keenan, Sr. Euphrasia was drawn to the study of botany, claiming that the study of plants led to the discovery of God’s goodness, truth and beauty all around her. Once the documentation for Trinity College was initiated, and land was purchased on Michigan Ave., Sr. Euphrasia envisioned and enlisted work for the building of Main Hall at Trinity… a beautiful building, indeed- hiring the same architect, E.F. Durang, who build the Sisters’ house in Philadelphia.
Sr. Euphrasia worked tirelessly, traveling by train to points north to secure permissions for building. Her wealthy contacts provided the needed financial resources to begin Trinity College.
Wisdom is better than Gold was in her mind and heart as she secured a foundation in Trinity’s earliest, and fledgling days.
Shortly after Trinity opened, Sr. Euphrasia was missioned to California, where she practiced detachment and began a new ministry there on the west coast, keeping minimal contacts with her DC friends and colleagues.
It was Srs. Julia and Euphrasia who collaborated with the local academic establishments and drew up the curriculum for the new Catholic College for women. One of the Sisters selected to teach on the original faculty was Sr. Raphael of the Sacred Heart. Sr. Raphael, aka Lucy Johnson Pike, was born in 1858 in Brooklyn, NY. Her mother died from childbirth, was heard to say, “I return my soul and my baby to the God who created me.” She was obviously a woman of faith, and her husband moved to Newburyport, MA, to be with the extended family who would help to raise his son and his new daughter.
The Pike family were Universalists, and Lucy’s schooling included time in MA and Detroit. She thrived on learning with the Concord School of Philosophy and the Ipswich Seminary while in Boston, and was instructed by Cardinal Gibbons in the Catholic faith and became Catholic. In 1881, Lucy attended Medical School in Boston, graduating in 1885.
In 1890, Lucy Pike became Sr. Raphael of the Sacred Heart, entering the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in MA.
Note: Lucy was engaged to marry a young man from Detroit which in those days was commitment with legal bonds, so her turning towards Catholicism and religious profession was a process that required adjustments to her plans in life. Interesting?!
Sr. Raphael came to Trinity College to teach; she taught Greek and other languages, organized the infirmary during a pandemic, and established relationships with other religious in DC, the Redemptorists, the Medical Mission Sisters, and she had an impact on her students and so many others. Her notebooks remain in the archives, as are details of the building of Notre Dame Chapel.
Sr Raphael served as President of Trinity College from 1921-1930, fortifying the early days by establishing an Alumni Association, landscaping the campus, building the chapel, launching the Trinity Times and overseeing essential student-focused experiences as the semesters rolled by.
This brief reminder of our early beginnings at Trinity reveal that we have a lasting relationship with Catholic University of America, if not in legal or official terms, yet in our founding stories. Yet, we are so different! When asked why she applied here and not to CUA, one student replied, “I am a strong woman and I came to Trinity to be surrounded by strong women!” CUA’s motto states, “Faithfully Catholic”, while ours states, “Education for Justice”. Let’s say that together: Education for Justice!
Today, Trinityeducate s a majority 55 % DC -based, African American undergraduate population, 25 % Hispanic, all women from various parts of the US with some born internationally, many of whom are DACA-Dreamers and undocumented. Now is a most exciting time to matriculate at Trinity, as all our students have opportunities to research and present learnings, achieve leadership qualities, practice public speaking, athletics, artistic expressions and grow in emotional and spiritual maturity while accomplishing their academic goals. The founders of Trinity would be so proud to know that the mission -for education of young women and the vision for higher learning and leadership, love of God and neighbor, confidence and knowledge- is strong, here at Trinity Washington University!
I am referencing three sources for this presentation: Sr. Mary Hayes’s article on the Founding of Trinity College and the Design of a Program for the Higher Education of Women, which she presented in 1982 before the American Catholic Historical Association. Three Against the Wind, by Sr. Angela Elizabeth Keenan, Christian Classics, 1973, and Trinity College, The First 80 Years, 1897- 1977, -the purple book, by Sr. Columba Mullally, in Christian Classics 1987.
Continue reading →Read comments (4) Add CommentFreedom for the Thought That We Hate
April 21, 2024
Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., wrote the thought above in his dissent in a Supreme Court case in 1929. United States v. Schwimmer, 279 U.S. 644 (1929) was about a Hungarian woman who wanted to become a U.S. citizen but she refused to take the oath of allegiance because, as a self-declared pacifist, she would not take up arms to defend the United States. She lost the case, but Holmes made his point.
I keep thinking of Holmes’ words as I watch and read about the fierce protests underway at Columbia University, the cancellation of the valedictorian’s speech at USC, and the growing unrest on many other campuses since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war and the horrific destruction of Gaza resulting in an appalling death toll. The protests at Columbia have evoked incredibly hateful and dangerous rhetoric — the threats against Jewish students at Columbia are outrageous and demand forceful action. At the same time, the repression of legitimate non-violent protest by pro-Palestinian students is shocking. The cancellation of speeches because they might provoke protests seems completely contrary to the purpose of a university.
A university, is, or should be, a place of free and open expression, broad perspectives and often-loud debates. Our job is to encourage our students and faculty to seek the truth, and the process is often messy, chaotic and loaded with controversy and challenge to conventional wisdom. We have to hear the ideas before we know whether we agree or disagree with them; and disagreement is not license to ban speech at all, but rather, to add another point of view to the conversation. To repress speech is to stifle ideas, to limit knowledge, to snuff out the very life of intellectual expansion and discovery.
We have to allow the expression of the “thought that we hate” in order to be true to the purpose of the university. Allowing expression does NOT mean that we agree with the statement, but rather, that we uphold the value of freedom of thought and speech. That’s what we do as universities — or what we are supposed to do.
Are some thoughts so hateful that we have to prevent their expression? Yes. Even Justice Holmes famously said, in another case, that “shouting ‘fire!’ in a crowded theater” was not protected speech, Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47 (1919). To threaten physical violence against any person is not protected speech. To advocate for the genocide of Jews or Palestinians or any people is not protected speech. On a university campus, to disrupt operations to the point where students and faculty cannot attend class or go about their lives in safety and peace is potentially not protected expression. But in all cases, the facts matter very much.
I have not been to Columbia, I do not know what it’s like to be on that campus right now, and I cannot possibly know what President Minouche Shafik and her administrative team knew about the pro-Palestinian students camped out on the lawn in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment that made the administration decide to call the New York City Police on Friday; hundreds of arrests ensued. I have to believe they had information about dangers and threats not revealed publicly.
What I do know, however, from long experience as a college president, is that administrative actions that prevent speech quite often backfire, inflaming many onlookers who might otherwise have remained neutral. The issue moves quickly from the question of whether someone is pro-Palestine or pro-Israel to the issue of the fundamental right of speech and expression. Few actions bring campuses together more quickly than administrative repression of free speech.
I also know this: members of Congress, starting with North Carolina Congresswoman Virginia Foxx who chairs the House Committee on Education, seem focused on humiliating American higher education, and Foxx and her allies have singled-out four of the most elite private universities in the nation for extreme bullying and manipulation. Sure, the four institutions — Harvard, MIT, Penn and now Columbia — have the wealth and intellectual resources to carry on even though they have been badly wounded by their puzzling performances before the committee. But the rest of us — thousands of other colleges and universities that are not so famous or wealthy or elite — must now bear the burden of the fallout from this stunning abuse of Congressional authority. Foxx and her allies shamefully used antisemitism as a strawperson to berate and bully the elite institutions. The presidents who testified seemed out-smarted (out-Foxxed?) by the interrogations and their answers were disappointing at best — too weak and compromising in the case of the first three (Harvard, MIT, Penn), and then, more recently, completely co-opted by the authoritarian impulse in the case of Columbia’s president who failed to stand up for her faculty and moved against her students soon after the hearing.
In a further shameful abuse of Congressional power to bully a private university, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Foxx and others went to Columbia’s campus on Wednesday and demanded the resignation of President Shafik. As Professors William LeoGrande and Scott Bass point out in an excellent essay in Insidehighered.com, rightwing politicians are using anti-semitism as a “convenient excuse” to pursue their war on higher education, something that’s been going on for far longer than the Israeli-Gaza conflict.
They write, “The House hearings on antisemitism were designed from the outset to be a political show trial with higher education in the dock. In a private Zoom call, committee member Representative Jim Banks, Republican of Indiana, revealed the Republicans’ real agenda—to defund elite institutions of higher education that MAGA Republicans consider “woke” by cutting off their federal student loan funding and taxing their endowments.”
And they continue in pointing out the real purpose of the attack on higher education: “The assault on higher education is a key front in the Republican right’s campaign to undermine the institutional pillars of democracy. Attacks on the press, the judiciary, the civil service (aka the “deep state”) and elections have gotten more attention, but colleges and universities are no less essential to sustaining a democratic polity.”
What does this moment mean for all of us at Trinity? A few key points:
First, freedom of speech, thought and belief is central to our teaching, our community and our ability to uphold the values of social justice that animate our lives at Trinity. We must listen, respect, and welcome all points of view as much as possible.
Second, we cannot and will not tolerate hate, threats, bullying or intimidation. Saying this does not undermine our commitment to free speech, but does stress our commitment to sustaining a community rooted in respect for each and every person here — respect for human dignity is the first tenet of social justice. Anti-semitism is evil and intolerable. So is hatred expressed toward Palestinians, or Muslims, or immigrants or other persons based on who they are or what they believe.
Third, we are at our best as a learning community if we are able to be in dialogue together about the issues, even those that are difficult, even those that seem divisive. We are near the end of the Spring 2024 semester but as we look ahead to the Fall 2024 semester, I hope that we will find more ways to come together to discuss the profound issues at stake in Gaza, in the Israel-Hamas war, in the American political response, in the Ukraine war and in our own struggles in this country to achieve genuine racial justice.
Fourth, for the faculty: your academic freedom at Trinity is paramount. I urge you to use this freedom to address the critical issues of our times with the deep research, creative pedagogies and passionate commitment you always bring to teaching your students well.
Finally, for Trinity: we were founded 125 years ago by courageous women who were not afraid of the difficult conversations, who had their own moments of disruptive conversations and occasional chaos as they gave Trinity life and purpose. We honor them each day as we move this great mission forward to be witnesses for peace and justice in a world that knows too little of those values. Let’s always remember our purpose to be a community of hope and change for those who need us. We cannot be that community in silence; we must speak up and out, and we must listen to each other as we try to discern the ways in which we can change the world.
Continue reading →Read comments (0) Add CommentEnd the Gaza Horror. Now!
April 7, 2024
(view of Gaza ruins, photo credit)
Six months ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists committed horrific attacks on Israeli people, resulting in about 1200 Israeli deaths. Among other murderous acts, the attacks included bombs from drones and terrorists on motorcycles shooting Israelis at a music festival. Hamas also took hostages, many of whom continue to be held in unknown places, possibly in deep underground tunnels.
Declaring its right to defend itself, Israel launched an immediate military offensive in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, home to several million Palestinians. As an ally of Israel since the formation of that nation after World War II, the United States declared support for Israel, and many Americans (including me) also declared support for our ally that also is the spiritual home of the Jewish people who have suffered so much oppression and real devastation across the millennia. Palestinians and their supporters were outraged by the U.S. support for Israel, and protests continue to this day on college campuses, in cities, at major events, even at the Oscars.
Now, six months later, the appalling toll of Israel’s war in Gaza has become a moral catastrophe. Gaza is in ruins. Hospitals destroyed, homes obliterated, cities reduced to rubble. More than 30,000 Palestinians are dead, and the threat of famine and disease rises each day. Last week, in what it said was a “mistake,” Israel killed 7 members of the World Central Kitchen humanitarian food relief effort. (Read Chef Jose Andres powerful essay on the tragedy.)
Modern warfare has the intelligence and tools to avoid such a “mistake” if the leaders care enough about protecting civilians to exercise prudence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrates each day a stunning disregard for civilians and utter contempt for the idea of proportionality in pursuing his vengeful campaign in Gaza.
“Just war” is a moral concept found in many faith teachings and even in military rules. What is going on in Gaza has gone well beyond any conceivable notion of a “just war.” At the beginning Israel had a right to defend itself, but its leadership has allowed the war to become a global scandal of revenge and retribution against tens of thousands of innocent people. It does not diminish our concern for the oppression and devastation the Jewish people have suffered across the millennia to say that Palestinians, too, have suffered oppression and horrific violence. The ancient “eye for an eye” philosophy of vengeance has resulted in oceans of blood and sorrow with little permanent resolution in sight.
President Biden and the United States must do more to stop the bloodshed, including ending financial and weapons support for Israel. Our leaders should stop thinking about political calculus in this election year and instead focus on the core moral concerns about a war that has gone out of control. Pope Francis has called for an immediate cease fire and he is right. We cannot possibly say we want Netanyahu to move toward peace when we send him more bombs. Our actions must back up the rhetoric of seeking peace.
Statement of World Central Kitchen
Timeline of Key Moments in the Israel-Gaza War (Washington Post)
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March 6, 2024Even if Florida is not in your Spring Break plans, you can enjoy a bit of the Everglades with this 90 second video of some of the beautiful wild things there….
I was on a business trip to Florida at the end of February, meeting with alumnae and going to a board meeting. I did manage to escape into the Everglades with my camera for about three hours one day and the wild things did not disappoint! Enjoy!!
PS — on a more serious note, this essay about the death of the owl Flaco in New York City and the perils of human interaction with wildlife is a beautiful read and makes some very important points about the limits of development in wild habitat. Florida is a case study in how human intervention in the wild landscape has created so many environmental problems for the wild creatures and humans alike.
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