Dear Mercy Community,

We are all deeply saddened by the recent violent events targeting Black Americans. The violation of human dignity in the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, among many others, are stark reminders that we continue to live in a world challenged with racism and other forms of injustice.

A hallmark of a Mercy education is the development of a strong voice used to support the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: Earth; Immigration; Nonviolence; Racism; Women . Therefore, we unequivocally stand with our Black students, parents, staff, alumnae, supporters and community members against racism. A statement from The Sisters of Mercy reminds us that we must each be committed to acting as advocates, allies, and peacemakers.

Being an advocate, ally, and peacemaker requires courageous conversation and action which we demonstrate in the following ways: 

• June 3 at 12pm: Campus Ministry will hold a virtual prayer service at noon. We ask you to join us as we unite prayerfully in asking God to guide us in forging a nation where everyone feels safe and valued. We must always remember the power of prayer and listening to one another. This event is open to the entire Mercy community.

• June 4 at 12pm: School Administration, in partnership with our racial equity and inclusion consultant, Jyarland Daniels, will host "Discussion and Reflection: Processing the Current Incidents of Racial Injustice." In this virtual roundtable, Mercy students will have an opportunity to express their truths, fears, and reflections. We will also discuss strategies for how Mercy girls can support one another, including how to be better allies. Students will be invited to submit questions in advance as well as interact in the session. Please encourage your daughter to check her email for an invitation to this online event. This opportunity is open to Mercy students only. 

• June 8 at 7pm: Mercy President Dr. Cheryl Kreger, Principal Patricia Sattler, and Jyarland Daniels will host a webinar on the work that Mercy is undertaking to create a more just and equitable environment. While we recognize there is more work to do, we are proud of the work we have done and will continue. We invite you to attend. This event is open to the Mercy community, and an invitation link will soon be shared.

• Ongoing: The Human Relations Council (HRC) is leading an online student campaign to share daily messages reflective of the communal impact of racism. This series will focus on educating, showing compassion, supporting one another, and aligning Mercy values with positive actions. Students will be given more details on how they can participate.

"The ultimate measure of a [person] is not where [they] stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Mercy,

Mercy Administrative Team