DEI Reflections

We are often admonished to notrepeat the troublesome parts of history. The admonition presupposes that we know all those parts of history.  But sometimes, parts of troubling histories areoverlooked or minimized.

On Nov. 2, St. Dominicparishioners and guests from neighboring churches shared an evening oflearning, listening, and reflecting in celebration of Black Catholic HistoryMonth.  The event was titled “TowardsHealing:  Overcoming the Sin of Racism inour Catholic Church.”  Fr. Tom presenteda “Cliff Notes” summation of a presentation he attended by Dr. Jeannine Hill Fletcher,a theology professor at Fordham University.  Dr. Hill Fletcher’s presentation focused onthe Catholic Church’s role in our nation’s history with racism.    

We all at least generically know aboutracism, but often as a nation and Church we have not taken deep dives.  Fr. Tom discussed three periods of pain inour history that have caused trauma, and in which the Catholic Church participated:  (1) the discovery of America; (2) the economyof slavery; and (3) the protection of White supremacy.

The facts he shared wereeye-opening. Did you know that Indigenous peoples’ first encounter withEuropeans was through the Catholic Church? How much do you know about the abuses suffered by children attending Catholic-run“Indian” boarding schools, some of which existed until the 1960s?  

Did you know that the CatholicChurch was the largest corporate holder of slaves in the United States?  Or that the Knights of Peter Claver wasfounded for Black Catholic men because they were not permitted to join theKnights of Columbus?

Some say, “Well, these injusticeswere in the past. Look at how much progress we have made, so why are we stilltalking about this?”  This thinkingoversimplifies a complex situation.  Theeffects of structural racism are multigenerational.  Fr. Tom gave the example of the GI Bill,which was aimed at helping World War II veterans start their postwarlives.  By and large, Black veterans  who had served this country (in segregatedranks) were foreclosed from the benefits of the Bill.  The lack of access to the benefits deprivedBlack veterans and their families of home ownership and post-secondary educationalopportunities, which are significant drivers of creating generational wealth.    

Fr. Tom shared four takeawaysfrom the presentation for those committed to addressing what he calls “the sinof racism”, suggesting that we:

1.    tell the truth about both our country and thechurch’s role in racism;

2.   work to understand the pain;

3.   work to heal the pain; and

4.   work to transcend the pain.

That evening, as we discussed theinjustices of racism, some participants reflected that they were “sad” or“embarrassed.”  And while these arenatural feelings, the goal is not to make people feel bad.  The goal is to learn, understand, heal, andtranscend.  We can do it together!  We hope that you will keep your eyes open formore events sponsored by the Racial Equity Task Force and consider joining in!    

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Not so long ago, when civil unrest erupted nationwide in response to disgraced policing activity, the concept of diversity, equity and inclusion programs (DEI) burgeoned in every aspect of American society. While some will point to a variety of incidents and developments in recent history as the primary factor that led to the rise of DEI programming, it is generally recognized that George Floyd’s murder in 2020 and ensuing protests are what spurred the growth of DEI programs, policies and efforts in both public and private environments.

In the months following Floyd’s death, the term DEI became a recognized acronym and snowballed into a major national movement. Soon, it was commonplace for every business, government entity and religious group to identify a DEI committee and leadership. An industry was born and grew almost overnight. And not surprisingly, progress – real progress – was made. Conversation and dialogue concerning the lack of diversity, true equity and real inclusion became much more than a tagline or generic reference. America was finally reckoning with the fact that systemic racism is embedded in our history, and acknowledging that our nation’s policies and practices have favored white people and conferred advantages on them. The progress on this front was not limited to churches, temples and synagogues. No, progress was witnessed in public and private companies, government institutions, colleges and universities and local schools and organizations. While an end game was not defined, progress on the DEI front seemed real and headed in a positive direction where non-white and other marginalized members of our society could find a place, a job, a career, an education, a place to live and sustain like every other member of our society.

But in recent years we’ve seen the pendulum swing in the other direction.

Unfortunately, DEI became more politicized and certain groups sought to stem the rising tide of social justice. Regressive activists preferred to return to the days of the 1950s, actively working to shut down the activism surrounding minority empowerment, social justice and civil rights. These same groups, including those directly affiliated with hate-inspired organizations, set their sights on challenging race-related college admissions policies at the U.S. Supreme Court. The result was a cataclysmic shift in DEI practices and policies, public and private.

And in June of 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court announced a decision that amounted to a DEI bombshell.  In the case brought by Students For Fair Admissions (SFFA), the Court was asked to address the legality of race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions. The final ruling pitted conservative judges against liberals, and the Court determined in a 6-3 ruling that any college which accounts for race in the admissions process violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Federal Constitution.

That case was just the start and provided the impetus to stop DEI in its tracks. As recognized in the Harvard Business Review, while the Court’s recent ruling is focused on government and university policies, we quickly learned that corporate leaders use the decision as a reason to abandon the DEI programs they already quietly opposed.

And to add more fuel to the effort to eliminate DEI programs, the same activists that initiated and funded the SFFA litigation sued companies, accountants and law firms that actively promoted DEI efforts. As a result, many companies and their law firms have re-fashioned, re-rebranded or even eliminated DEI as a driver of business growth.

So where do we stand as Christians and Catholics, in light of the social upheaval that has dampened if not destroyed the path to social justice in the sectarian space? Fortunately for Catholics and others who seek guidance from his wisdom, we need only to look to the words of Pope Francis who long ago articulated that social justice is the fight for human dignity. In recent pronouncements released worldwide, Pope Francis articulated that Christians need to understand and live the gift of diversity in the Church. In prayer, Pope Francis reminds us that “If we are guided by the Holy Spirit, abundance, variety, diversity, never cause conflict – period.” He continues, that diversity and unity are needed in our ecumenical dialogue: “This is not something confusing or disturbing, but is a gift God gives to the Christian community so it might grow as one body, the Body of Christ.”

Such simple words, containing brilliant guidance, should be viewed by all that DEI is not dead. While in the corporate, professional and educational world there is a retrenchment on the social justice front, for Catholics and others of faith, our battles are being reignited. Religious institutions including the Catholic Church cannot fold when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our entire faith is based around these three principles. Sitting silently just won’t do, in these difficult times when not only is DEI under attack but hate crimes are on the rise. As Father Tom recently said in a homily, “Often the language of love is overshadowed by the language of hate” in today’s society. Our faith commands us to advocate for the vulnerable in our midst, and DEI is a clear example of this. We are called to speak up loudly against efforts to halt the inclusion of those long banned from being equal citizens.

The final word is far from over but as Pope Francis appeals to us to pray that in diversity, “the Christian community might grow as one body, the Body of Christ.”

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As many know, there are several trips annually to El Salvador where St. Dominic Parish not only provides for the needs of many, but also supports a crew of dedicated community leaders to carry out the good work in Chitiupan. I was fortunate to travel along with the most recent delegation to view progress made in our sister parish. As an added benefit, on our return, we travelled alongside our dedicated Salvadorian crew for a visit to Cleveland.  While a couple of our El Salvador friends had travelled to Cleveland before, most had not.  Four of the five travelers speak very good English. One, Raul, speaks no English, had never been on a plane but very much looked forward to his first visit outside his native land.

To say the least, the culinary experience in Chiltiupan is something to appreciate. The main dish usually involves some version of a pupusa-often referred to as a Spanish pierogi. Stewed chickens and rice and beans provide most of the remaining sustenance. To our visitors, the chance to try American cuisine is a much-anticipated adventure.  In this case, the first chance for the same was presented at a non-descript BBQ joint at the Dallas-Ft. Worth airport.

The name of the joint is not important.  But it is what the well-travelled would expect.  You order at the front end, pay outrageous prices, and then collect what is often less than satisfying food at the end of the counter. The team was excited and voiced a friendly Spanish chant as they approached to make their selections. I stood back so as not to interfere with their enjoyment, but close by to offer assistance. Excitement was evident - their first order on American soil after a long flight was finally here.

Then came the look.  The look from behind the counter.  Who are these guys all speaking Spanish ordering to their hearts’ delight? The look became a frown as a few did not understand the menu selections which quickly turned to a cold and unwelcoming stare when Raul approached for his order.  He could not read the board or order for himself.  And he was not sure what he really wanted.  It was literally his first meal outside El Salvador, and he wanted it to be perfect.  Then it came - the voice.  “Why can’t you people just be like us. And do you Mexicans have money?” More than confrontational, it was completely derisive.  As one might expect I interceded and asked why the frown, negative emotion, and racist comment.  Oh yes, payment would be forthcoming from me, but I regret that they chose this location. That said, I suspect that attitude was generally the norm.  While personally disappointed with the experience, the team felt no worse and enjoyed the simple meal with no comment on the interaction. No doubt, I was grateful our friends were so forgiving.

This experience caused me to reflect on where we are in the U.S. and where we are going. Our Salvadoran friends were confronted with the same attitudes, comments and racism faced by Black Americans. Not long ago four Black students were refused service at a Woolworth’s counter in Greensboro, NC resulting in one of the most remarkable civil rights protests. That event was preceded by only a few years in the Supreme Court decision striking down segregated schools.  It was followed a few years later with the Civil Rights Act. Progress.  Progress long overdue.

Bit by bit racial exclusion seemingly chipped away. The following decades saw progress on many fronts, even the fundamental right to vote in a district where a Black candidate could win an election was becoming a reality. There was some progress, but the attitudes seemed to stay the same.  Or perhaps even harden.

Unfortunately today, that progress stands still. Some even rightfully suggest we are regressing - at warp speed.  No, it still remains illegal to deny a seat at a counter, or to prohibit admittance to public schools, or refuse to accommodate a Black traveler. But that is how it is written in a book, not practiced.

Today, there is a growing trend to prohibit studies of the Black experience in America. This growing trend is not only frightening but clearly racist in intent and practice.  Perhaps even worse, in many states unnecessary requirements are imposed on voters with the sole practical intent of stymying the Black vote. Under the guise of voter fraud, restrictions on ballot initiatives, limits to voter registration, unnecessary limits on pre-election day voting and the absurd decision to permit only one box for ballot collection in some of the largest cities in the US have blossomed in many states. Decades of progress in voter rights flushed with the bath water. As a lawyer with four decades of experience on many fronts including Constitutional Law, this is more than disappointing to witness.

In our state in the last weeks, the effort to restrain voter rights in the name of fraud prevention is quickly gaining ground.  Indeed, most recently, the Ohio Secretary of State noted that the use of a state of the art third-party electronic voting system seems likely to be eliminated because the system sends automatic reminders to voters of upcoming elections.  Of course, the reminders might help Black candidates. It should be evident that much like the blatantly unconstitutional redistricting fiasco recently witnessed in Ohio, racism lies at the base of any justification. And similar to the other ballot restrictions justified under guise of anti-fraud efforts, the program will likely be eliminated.

These are but a few areas where we have regressed in the last few years.  Much like the experience of our Salvadoran team, for Black Americans, racism in our society today seems prevalent - and growing. But much like my encounter with the servers in Dallas, it is incumbent on many of us who usually stay on the fringes to interject and change that path.

The very purpose of the St. Dominic DEI committee is to heighten parish awareness and improve the thought process relating to diversity and inclusion in our community.  We can make life better in our community and for all people and races. We should, we must.

A reflection on Black History Month, from Margaret Bernstein, a member of our church’s Racial Equity Task Force.

Black History Month is evolving. In the years since George Floyd died, I’ve watched it move beyond an annual recitation of facts about African American achievers, and widen into a bigger discussion of struggle and survival. I’m fascinated by a new social media trend --the #MyBlackHistory hashtag. It’s democratizing February and making it clear that every black family has a story of overcoming. On Facebook this month, I’ve seen a tribute posted to a great-grandfather who was a South Carolina sharecropper and railroad worker, while someone else shared a picture of their great-aunt, a pianist and teacher who attended Juilliard and performed with Count Basie.

Another person paid homage to an ancestor named James Robert Sands Jr. “Born a slave but eventually became a free man. A husband, father, educator and appointed Justice of the Peace in Monroe County, Ark., in 1916. I salute you Great-great-grandpa Sands! #MYBLACKHISTORY”

This grassroots trend recognizes the fact that black Americans share a history of triumphing over racist laws and systems, and that our tenacious forebears are achievers, even if they’re not famous.

I think it's good to see Black History Month getting freshened up, especially considering that some critics of the month are asking when will we be done with rehashing the past. In my opinion, our nation is only beginning to acknowledge all the roadblocks that African Americans faced, in order to vote, to be educated, to live free. For African-Americans, it’s been a challenge just to learn about our own heritage: The U.S. Census didn’t count blacks until 1870. Before that, we were possessions, enumerated like cows and horses. No names -- just ages and genders on slave lists. Like many African-Americans, I know the names of my relatives born in the past century but I can’t go back much further. As a race, our history hasn’t been passed down, because slaves weren’t allowed to read or write, they weren’t given last names and their families were often split up.

As a nation, we're just starting to excavate the history of black Americans. To wrap our minds around how America enriched itself through black bondage, and to grapple with the repercussions that still endure. I would like to recommend to my fellow parishioners a soon-to-be-published book about how Catholic priests relied on slave labor, and sold slaves to finance the creation of Georgetown University. The book is "The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build The American Catholic Church " by New York University journalism professor Rachel Swarns.

For most of us, this is an untold chapter of our church's history. I say ... let the history out, and let it inform new conversations.