“Together we flourish”: Fostering belonging

To understand the magnitude of what we’re about to share, we ask you to listen with openness and empathy.

Many in our CSB+SJU community are feeling hurt and vulnerable.

In this polarizing time, social media and news often promote harmful words and actions against marginalized groups.

Recent examples across the U.S. highlight these tensions.

In 24 states since last Wednesday, teens have reported racist texts.

On Nov. 12, demonstrators waved Nazi flags outside a Michigan theater showing “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Globally, crises in Gaza and Ukraine are unresolved, and U.S. border patrol policies leave many immigrant families in fear.

Many of our peers feel helpless, confused, angry or scared.

We’re here to support all Bennies and Johnnies who may be experiencing intense emotions at this time.

As a Benedictine, four-year liberal arts institution, CSB+SJU is celebrating its Festival of Cultures Week, led by the Multicultural Center. This week, we honor the diversity that defines us, taking pride in each student who has made CSB+SJU their second home.

Director of Multicultural Student Services Malik Stewart captured this week’s mission well: “Festival of Cultures isn’t just about promoting diversity on campus. It’s about promoting that there’s value in being interested in diversity in the first place.”

Although we are a small community within the global context, we can make a difference by showing empathy and being curious about others’ experiences.

CSB+SJU is a unique place to start. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice (DEIJ) and Belonging form the foundation of our commitment to inclusivity. With over 100 international students from 15 countries, CSB+SJU benefits from a rich mosaic of perspectives.

“Students from The Bahamas, Brazil, China, Rwanda, Vietnam and beyond bring their traditions and insights, enhancing our campus in ways that foster cultural exchange, compassion, and fellowship,” Stewart said.

However, inclusivity must go beyond international representation. It requires recognizing the intersectional identities within our community.

International students, Indigenous students, African American students, first-generation students, women in STEM, LGBTQ+ students and other underrepresented groups all contribute to the multifaceted nature of CSB+SJU. Each brings unique challenges and perspectives that deserve to be valued.

Marcus Hayes, St. John’s junior and vice president of the Black Student Union, captures this sentiment: “My identity is more than just a black kid from Texas. People don’t always look beyond that. I sometimes feel stuck in an empty shell.”

Hayes acknowledges the challenges he faces on campus but says they motivate him to share the beauty of black culture and break down stereotypes.

The intersecting identities in our community highlight why DEIJ efforts are so vital. When our institutions promote open dialogue and create spaces for multicultural interaction, we take steps to dismantle stereotypes, build empathy and help all students feel they belong.

It is not enough for students to simply be present; students must feel they are integral parts of the campus. Faculty and staff support these values as well.

Associate Provost for Student Success Mary Geller noted, “It’s not the student’s responsibility to resolve complaints or concerns. It’s my job to take care of that, to remove barriers, educate students and address issues.”

Through training, departments like the Multicultural Center serve as safe spaces within these historically white institutions, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard.

Building a sense of belonging at CSB+SJU is more than a statement of values.

It’s a call to action. It involves creating inclusive environments that equip students with interpersonal skills, preparing them to advocate for justice in future workplaces and communities.

We hope that CSB+SJU’s dedication to inclusion continues to evolve, embracing not only diverse backgrounds but the complex identities that shape each student’s journey.

As CSB senior Stacy Delgado, co-president of the Exploring Latin American Cultures (ELAC) club, said, “Cultural clubs shouldn’t have to keep reminding people that culture isn’t a costume.”

Delgado appreciates that CSB+SJU has progressed, with more departments and clubs echoing this sentiment in emails and campaigns to raise awareness on issues that affect marginalized students.

This is an example of growth, something we all need to embrace together.

Delgado also recalled her undergraduate journey, whereby being part of ELAC helped her to find a family here.

She wishes everyone could feel the pride and unity that comes from sharing their culture with others.

Championing DEIJ and belonging at CSB+SJU extends beyond academics.

It instills compassion, ensuring that every student from Minnesota or Rwanda feels they belong.

As our campuses grow, we urge Bennies and Johnnies to grow in unity and love.

Education is a journey, and it’s not instantaneous.

We encourage each member of the CSB+SJU community to attend a cultural event, engage in a dialogue on DEIJ, or reach out to a peer with a different background.

It takes time to build a truly inclusive campus that celebrates each individual’s path and prepares us for a just world.

We believe it only takes a spark to light a fire.

When we support each other, our entire community grows stronger.

By valuing each voice, we truly embody the spirit of “Together We Flourish.”