Celebrating our Uniqueness

Dear Members of the Fordham Community,

We are deeply saddened by the anti-LGBTQ incident in Finlay Hall which was rooted in hate and exclusion. We believe an act such as this is truly unacceptable and does not represent what it means to be a part of our Fordham community. This exclusion and bigotry is not only felt by the students targeted by the incident, but by every member of the community, especially ones who have struggled with acceptance for their sexual and gender identity.

As a community, we must hold ourselves and our fellow Fordham family members accountable. Every student, faculty, administrator, and staff member has the right to feel safe at this University and be treated with respect. This means that we must be accepting of others and appreciate our differences as much as our similarities. The key to acceptance of others is love, and it is love in which our community principles are upheld.

When we do not hold each other to the same standard of acceptance, we cannot function as a community rooted in Jesuit values. In the spirit of cura personalis, or caring for the whole person, we must respect, celebrate, and have distinct considerations for every individual on our campus. When we are not able to value every student’s uniqueness and importance at this University, we cannot stand strong. We must challenge ourselves to be introspective and reflect on the choices we make. As a community, we must consider the effect our actions have on others and realize that our choices, both the good and the bad, shape the community in which we all are a part of.

We must recognize what it is within us which ignites our passions to respond to intolerance rather than make us indifferent to these incidents. As men and women for and with others, it is our responsibility to stand in solidarity with marginalized members of our community. Through valuing our differences, making honorable decisions, treating others with respect, and fulfilling our responsibility of being people for and with others, we will strengthen our community and commitment to making Fordham a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

As members of the Fordham Community, we must make it clear that the actions which occurred in Finlay are not to be tolerated nor ignored. The United Student Government, the Residence Halls Association, the Commuting Students Association, and the Campus Activities Board stand united in condemning discrimination, bigotry, and hate–in all forms. We proudly embrace the many identities, backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures that exist in our Fordham family.

We invite the members of our community to join us in celebrating our differences every day and stand in solidarity with those affected in the recent days and years.

Our warmest wishes,
Daniel Stroie, President  //  Fordham United Student Government at Rose Hill (USG)
Stephen Esposito, President  //  Fordham Campus Activities Board
Siobhan Donahue, President  //  Commuting Students Association (CSA)
Emma Bausert, President  //  Fordham Rose Hill Residence Halls Association – RHA