The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Philando Castile and countless others through American history result not only from police brutality, but from the deep systemic racism that enables it. Library collections provide scholarly and creative works on race, history, and public policy that can illuminate racism and help chart a path toward an anti-racist future.
We were founded on the premise of seeing and honoring the humanity of all persons. We were founded on Benedictine values that demand respect for all human beings and that privilege the value of dwelling in community for all people. We were founded to give voice and opportunity to the marginalized and disenfranchised. Recent events, and all acts of racism, are directly counter to the values upon which we were founded and what we stand for today. Our mission demands that we actively speak out for our values.
--- Mary Dana Hinton, President College of Saint Benedict May 29, 2020