Justice and Equity

List of 9 items.

• Call to Action: Current Academic Initiatives

  Seton’s commitment to a plan of action to promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity has supported several new academic initiatives:
  
  

  Educating the Seton Community

  
  The continued education of our staff and students, according to our Call to Action: Black Lives Matter, has engaged us in the following topics and discussions developed by our students and moderators: 
  
  

  •    Redlining
  •    School to Prison Pipeline
  
  

  We also have also participated in two speaker-led discussions:
  
  

  •    Colorism – Dr. Nikki Lane, Spelman University
  •    Interrupting Microaggressions - Dr. Jessy Molina, Inclusion Trainer and Consultant
  
  

  Curriculum Changes

  
  As we continue to review our curriculum, we are excited about some new coursework being offered to students in 2021-2022:
  
  

  •    The English Department will change its focus of Freshmen English to Multicultural Literature.
  
  

  •    The Religion Department will offer a new course: History of the Catholic Church - This elective will explore the History of the Catholic Church from the 17th century to the present. The students will come to know that the Church is    the living Body of Christ today and, as such, has both divine and human elements. Special emphasis will be on the experience of Black Catholics. 
  
  

  •    The Social Studies Department will offer a new course: The Evolution of African American Women in US History. This course offers an introduction to the sociological, historical, and political experiences of African American women, their roles and contributions to society. With a focus on historical and contemporary responses to intersectional challenges African American women face, this course will provide opportunities to examine the systematic convergence of gender, class and racial bias. It will also focus on the comparative examination of the perspectives, contributions and concerns of African American women.  Drawing on an array of primary and secondary sources, African American womanhood will be explored through music, art, print and digital texts, oral histories, film, poetry and current events.

   

• Daughters of Charity Speak Out on Acts of Violence and Hatred toward Asian American/Pacific Islander Community

  
  As women of faith, grounded in our Christian belief that all people are made in the image of God, we, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, USA, decry recent events of violence and hatred against the Asian American/Pacific Islander community. Each act of hate and discrimination is abhorrent in a country built by immigrants and founded on the principle that all people are created equal. Incidences of violence against any person based on their race, faith or way of life diminishes our society as a whole. 
  
  

  In 2020, the Daughters of Charity took a stand affirming the dignity and human rights of all persons and pledged to eradicate racism in ourselves, the communities we serve and our country. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, previously subtle forms of racism against the Asian American/Pacific Islander community have exploded into the open with innocent persons bearing the brunt of misguided fear and blame, promulgated throughout the last 13 months. 

  
  We can no longer allow the next news cycle to move this issue from our immediate focus. It is long past time to put a stop to hatred, racism, and violence in all forms. The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, USA call on all people to take action to confront racism; support those most vulnerable in their communities who endure discrimination and aggression on a daily basis, and make their voices heard by lawmakers at all levels of government. 

  
  “We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of his love.” 

  St. Vincent de Paul 

• Seton Speaks and Topics

  The Call to Action for Black Lives Matter was immediately heard by Seton students who have developed and implemented many new initiatives at Seton: Seton Speaks.
  
  A team of staff members and students have joined together to implement a new form of dialogue at Seton entitled Seton Speaks. Led by student leaders, each week the entire school community meets in Seton Speaks circles of approximately ten people to listen, to learn, to reflect, and to explore issues of justice and equity that affect all of us today.
  
  Since its origin in October, we have explored many engaging topics:
  
  October
  
  The Danger of a Single Story
  Jessy Molina, Diversity Trainer and Facilitator
  
  We reflected on our own lives and shared stories about when we held “single stories” about others, and when others held a “single story” about us. Our goal was to build community and connection, empathy for one another, and a deeper understanding of how to approach each other with an open mind and heart.
  
  Voter Suppression
  
  We were introduced to the history of voter suppression and its adverse effects on minority populations. We also heeded the call of young people today who challenged us all to reverence and employ conscientiously “the right to vote”.
  
  November
  
  Reflection on Election Day
  Seton Staff
  
  We joined together for prayer and reflection for Election Day. Prayer, meditation, and journaling were opportunities chosen by all.
  
  Intersectionality, Stereotyping and Controlling Images
  
  We explored together the danger of not simply stereotyping, but also, the intersection of multiple negative images of identity that become “controlling images” that have perpetuated racism, sexism, classism, poverty and other forms of social injustice as they have made these injustices appear to be natural and inevitable parts of life, and have led to internal and external oppression.
  
  Circles of Multiculturalism
  Jessy Molina, Diversity Trainer and Facilitator
  
  We explored the pain and the pride that are often associated with our identities as we built connections with one another. We discussed how we can our consciousness to better understand others’ cultures and therein become anti-racist.
  
  December
  
  Racial History in the Re-Construction Period
  Dr. Kim Hansen, Mt. St. Mary’s University
  
  We investigated advances in racial justice post-Civil-War as well as setbacks that occurred in race relations as laws were developed to deny the rights of the 13th , 14th and 15th amendments and as America lived the realities of Native American Wars, Anti-Immigration, and Imperialism.

• Statement on the violence that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021

  We, the Elizabeth Seton High School Community, are extremely saddened by the decisions and the disorder of many that resulted in shameful violence at the Capitol on January 6. These actions not only counter the lessons that we have learned about democracy, but are a clear and hurtful reminder of the racism that persists in America. 

   

  Our motto of Light to Know, Grace to Do urges each one of us to move forward from this atrocity with an understanding that systemic change is imperative now more than ever. We cannot proceed blind to the differences we have witnessed. We must strive to examine the troubles of our nation and seek and work for justice. We are called to listen to one another, to dialogue with one another, and to stand up for the truths of the Gospel. We are called to these actions in consideration of our past students, in defense of our present students, and with hope for our future students. 

   

  Our immediate concern is with the well-being of our students and community members who must face this racial disparity all too often. As a community, we have gathered together to pray, and we have offered time for students to meet with guidance counselors, staff, and administration. We will continue to offer opportunities to share resources and to speak together in safe spaces.

   

  We encourage all members of our community to take time to process these events and to check in with one another. We ask you to join us as we pray for healing, for equality, and for peace. We invite you to continue to visit the justice and equity link here for additional resources.

• President's Update Fall 2020

  Over the summer, Seton has been reflecting very seriously on our Call to Action: Black Lives Matter. As a first step, Seton created a task force to assist us with the examination of our students’ lived experiences and to help us with engaging in courageous conversations with our community. The work of the task force will give us a vision for needed change, for greater equity, and for community empowerment.

   

  The Task Force will be inviting rising 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th grade students to complete an online survey to help them with their work.

   

  As the task force continues its work, the administration has established several immediate action strategies:
  
  

  1.    The school president will engage in a personal plan of study.
  
  

  2.    Bias Training will begin with those who have the most responsibility for discipline, and continue for all staff.
  
  

  3.    An entire examination of the curriculums for Religion, English, Social Studies, and the Arts will be conducted to identify areas of “unconscious deselect”. The examination will be done at first by the departments and then sent to a third party for review. Teachers in these disciplines will be given the opportunity to complete coursework in African American History. In the interim, more seminars, study groups, and discussions will be offered to students relative to Black history, sociology and literature. The details of these additions are still being planned as we select the instructional mode for next year. We will keep you informed.
  
  

  4.    Interracial conflict among students will be addressed with the help of our alumnae.
  
  

  5.    Seton Staff will collaborate with students in establishing structures that allow their voices to enter Seton’s governance and in creating safe spaces for Black students to voice their concerns.

   

  The commitment of the Seton Board of Directors and the administration is rooted in the context of the very lives of our students. We find ourselves haunted by the words of a student who said, “Every day, I look into the mirror and see my black face and realize that I have to prove myself.” Seton must work with others in developing ways to supplant this ideology. As our work continues, we will be engaging in more discussions with parents, students, and alumnae. The work we have to do is formidable and challenging, but it is compelling and crucial when you listen to the voices or our young women.

• President's Letter

  June 5th Presiden't Letter to the Community.

  Read More

• Forums and Surveys

  These events are now complete:
  
  Forum
  

  Members of the Seton Community are invited to join in a Call to Action Virtual Open Forum August 10-13 (times: 1st group 5-6 pm, 2nd group 6:30-7:30 pm- see below for schedule). As a member of Seton's community, you are encouraged to share your experiences and to let your voice be heard. The link to register and schedule by class year are listed below:

  
  Virtual Open Forum Schedule:

  
  Please sign up according to your affiliation with Elizabeth Seton High School.

  
  *August 10-- Seton Class of 2016-2020;

  Seton Class of 2011-2015
  
  

  *August 11--Seton Class of 2006-2010;

  Seton Class of 2000-2005
  
  

  *August 12--Seton Parent Body (Current & Former);

  Seton Class of 1990-1999
  
  

  *August 13--

  5:00pm-5:45pm ESHS Staff (Current & Former);

  5:45pm-6:30pm Class of 1963-1989;

  6:30pm-8:00pm Current Students
  
  Survey
  

  In response to the concerns regarding the social climate at Elizabeth Seton High School, the members of the alumnae community are invited and strongly encouraged to be a part of change, and to be a catalyst for growth.
  
  

  We ask that you please take a moment to complete this survey by clicking here that will help the Elizabeth Seton High School Task Force collect data and resolve issues concerning our school culture.
  
  

  The survey will take NO LONGER than 20 minutes to complete. Thank you for taking the time to help shape Seton's future. Your voice matters.
  
  

  PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5TH BY 12:00 PM.

• Statement from the Board of Directors: June 26, 2020

  Elizabeth Seton High School Board of Directors Statement

   

  We, the Board of Directors of Elizabeth Seton High School, are united in deepening our commitment to eradicate institutional racism through education and activism. Our beloved school was formed by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul to serve our community and to put into demonstrable action the Vincentian Charism of humble and grateful service to others, especially the oppressed. We acknowledge our own shortcomings and recognize there is so much more to do in our school community and in the world to meet St. Vincent’s charge: “We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love.”

   

  Therefore:

   

  We support and stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and all who seek social justice, inclusion and opportunity for all people. 

   

  We commit to actions that promote equity, equality and justice through policies, plans and programs, and strive to make Seton a model of diversity.

   

  We reaffirm our commitment to do more – to further goals adopted in our strategic plan to expand ongoing diversity, equity, equality and inclusion efforts, and confront racism within ourselves and where we encounter it.

   

  Adopted by the Board of Directors on June 26, 2020.

• Statement from the Daughters of Charity: June 5, 2020

  Statement on the Death of George Floyd
  
  

  We, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul USA, unite our hearts, voices, prayers, presence, and action with those of people of goodwill around the globe in affirming that black lives matter.
  
  

  We. Are. Outraged.
  
  

  The charity of Christ impels us to speak out, as yet another black man has died at the hands of law enforcement. Actions by those in authority in our law enforcement system reveal again and again a broken system of chronic racism that hurts humanity.
  
  

  We call for an immediate cessation of racist actions against people of color by all in positions of authority including all levels of law enforcement, legal systems, and governments. We call for national systemic change eradicating racism and eliminating white supremacy and white privilege.
  
  

  We. Are. In solidarity.
  
  

  When a sister or brother begs for help, begs for life, begs for air, begs to be released, and ultimately succumbs to death due to asphyxiation, we all symbolically suffocate. Our hearts ache with sorrow for Mr. Floyd’s friends and family, some still too young to comprehend the magnitude of the appalling circumstances resulting in their father’s unjust and agonizing death at the hands of out of control law enforcement.
  
  

  We applaud Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison, and the Minnesota legal system for taking firm action to indict all four officers involved covertly or overtly in the death of our brother, George Floyd.
  
  

  We. Are. Committed to Action.
  
  

  As women given to God, in community, to serve Christ in the those who are poor, we pledge to confront racism within ourselves and where we encounter it. We pledge to live Catholic Social Teaching. We join with others in the faith community in acknowledging our own complicity in institutional racism and we ask forgiveness of our sisters and brothers of color. We pledge to join others in building the Kingdom of God.
  
  

  “We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love.” 

  St. Vincent de Paul

   

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  The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of the United States of America comprises two Provinces of nearly 500 sisters serving in social services, prison ministry, health care, education, immigration, prevention of trafficking, and more.