Dear Mercy Community,

We want you to be aware of a situation that occurred at Mercy and our efforts to respectfully resolve it. This past week, students approached administration with concerns regarding the racial insensitivity of the Pro-Life Club bulletin board information comparing abortion with slavery and the Holocaust. The image and accompanying information have been taken down. As a Catholic school we value the sanctity of life, yet messaging from one organization or cause cannot marginalize other students and groups. 

As an educational institution, we encouraged those concerned students to have honest dialogue with the Pro-Life Club leadership, and a meeting was scheduled. The purpose of this restorative justice meeting is to gain understanding and awareness. It will be held with Pro-Life Club moderators, Pro-Life Club student leaders and students who brought forward their concerns. Respectful discourse is a core value of the Mercy community. It is important that our students' voices are expressed and heard. We want all students to be included and empowered. 

Moving forward, along with hallway posters, all bulletin board information will be developed using new guidelines and approved by administration before posting to ensure we are fostering an inclusive community. Training will continue to cultivate a healthy environment and productive conversations. We are committed to grow our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming for all staff and students.

In Mercy,

The Administrative Team
Dr. Cheryl Kreger '66, President
Patricia Sattler, Principal
Colleen McMaster '81, Associate Principal Academic Affairs
Eleasha Tarplin '94, Dean of Student Affairs
Nancy Malinowski, Athletic Director
Traci Smith, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Laura Everett '98, Director of Alumnae Relations