Message about insurrection at U.S. Capitol

Dear Colleagues,

In this unprecedented time in our nation’s history, I share my grave disappointment in the outgoing presidential administration and condemn in the strongest terms the shameful events on Wednesday in the U.S. Capitol, which is regarded worldwide as a temple of democracy.

As I watched protest turn to violence, not only in Washington, D.C., but in other American cities, I recalled the protests of this summer. In addition, I thought of the fully one-tenth of the members of Congress who are graduates of Jesuit colleges and universities. I thought of the many Congressional staffers whose lives were endangered. I saw symbols of hate such as Confederate flags and I wondered why members of Congress and Congressional staffers doing their sacred duty were left without protection and support. The bravery of the Capitol Police was overwhelmed with the violence of thugs. Indeed, while I thought of the real and tangible lack of respect and protection for our civil servants, I thought again of the general mayhem and lack of protection during the protests to end racism and promote justice in 2020. In particular, it rehearsed for me the lack of respect and protection of the protesters in the Black Lives Matter movement this past summer.

Yesterday’s insurrection at the Capitol reflected yet another warning to civil society and our democracy, which is under threat from misinformation, conspiracy theories, and a willful demonization of our fellow citizens. We must all be active and positive participants in our shared community, and loyal to the principle of civility, respect and service to others. We must not passively enable those who weaken our social contract for selfish gain. We call on our leaders to strongly repudiate these forces, defend our Constitution, and restore America as a beacon of democracy and respect for all humanity.

I join the presidents of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, and other servants of God’s people who labor in higher education, to support citizens who are critical thinkers and practitioners of justice so that we may have a nation and a world that is more humane and just. As leaders of our institutions, dedicated to the truth and the building of a more just society, we commit ourselves to the ideals of fairness, justice, racial equity, and inclusion.

Gratefully,
Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J.
President