We Are Listening...

Here at Xavier High School, we are making some very intentional efforts to address racism in our world. As we continue to listen to people of color here in our own community, we have worked to establish a series of initiatives, including the founding of the XHS Champions for Solidarity Council. These efforts are designed to help Xavier serve as a better instrument to bring about necessary change in our community under the guidance of Catholic Social Teaching. 

In addition to commitments made by Xavier in June related to social justice and Catholic social teaching, we have also committed ourselves to additional action steps. These commitments were made by administration during their summer planning retreat for the 2020-2021 school year:

1. Review curriculum to ensure we are accurately covering Black history and perspectives within appropriate classes.
2. Related to our diversity training commitment, we will seek ways to empower all students, faculty and staff toward appropriate conversations at all times on campus. We also will seek to empower all to recognize and halt conversations which might be inappropriate and disrespectful toward any individual or groups.

Two weeks ago, we made a promise to begin a very intentional effort to reach out and listen to People of Color in our Xavier family. These conversations have been both enlightening and affirming as we continue our mission of developing the total person in a Catholic environment. We thank those who have taken the time to visit with us and share their perspectives. We look forward to continuing this listening process as we continue to grow in the area of how Xavier can be a more effective instrument in combating the sin of racism.

We also made a promise that we are ready to act. Our initial wave of listening sessions has been fruitful and has helped to identify several initial areas of focus:

1) Continuing Diversity Training

During the 2019-2020 school year, Xavier implemented diversity training as part of our professional development work with faculty and staff. For the upcoming 2020-2021 school year and beyond, this training will continue. This is an important part of our inward reflecting process to help guide us on our path toward making Xavier even more welcoming and inclusive.

2) One Xavier Roundtable 

On July 15, Xavier will host the “One Xavier” roundtable. This will be co-moderated by Liam Karr (X17) and will feature both current students and recent graduates of Xavier. Participants will share their experiences, perspectives and offer feedback to school leaders on how Xavier can amplify and enhance its efforts to elevate cultural awareness, education, exposure, and sense of belonging for each and every student who walks through our doors.

3) Champions for Solidarity Council

Xavier will also introduce the “Champions for Solidarity” council this coming school year. This council will be rooted in the Catholic Social Teaching of Solidarity and will provide a platform for discussion between the following members of Xavier’s community:

• Current Xavier Students
• Recent graduates of Xavier
• Xavier Faculty and Staff (including administration)
• Other Community Members

• Help Xavier serve as a better instrument to bring about necessary change in our community under the guidance of Catholic Social Teaching.
• Provide an avenue for amplified conversation about challenging social issues facing our community today.
• Achieving a greater understanding and appreciation for differences between groups both inside and outside of Xavier.
• Increasing a sense of belonging for all students by integrating with Xavier's Community System, which also will be launched this coming school year.

Again, it is important to note these actions are a result of our initial listening. We anticipate further, specific steps to take shape as we continue to have these intentional conversations.