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(06/03/20 5:24am)
The following statement was previously sent to the Scott Center's mailing list and posted on its webpage and its Facebook page.
The piece has been lightly edited in accordance with The Campus’ style guidelines.
We at the Scott Center speak in favor of our full humanity. Always. But especially in moments like this. When prejudice or bias denies anyone of their right to fully participate in society and be included in every aspect of their being without fear or shame or shrinking, this is morally wrong and we stand against it. When this happens, we all suffer. When people are physically harmed or murdered because of their identities, we call this evil. We say no. In the name of our common humanity, we say, no more.
People are murdered every day around the globe for their beliefs or non-beliefs and for their identities: geographic, ability, age, class, gender, sexual orientation, religious, racial and others. Trauma and injustice are so much a part of our lives lately that it seems there is always something to say about it.
Right now in America, however, the reality of racial injustice especially is on full display. The long-abiding disparities are evident everywhere, from the assurance of employment and access to healthcare during a global pandemic, to treatment by those charged to protect and defend, to the enactment of real change by elected officials. And yes, now, even the disparity of access to justice, simple justice, is in full view. This is a moment when the particular disparities of racial injustice and the plight of being Black are right in front of us in plain daylight, even while for many, it never went, or goes, away. Trauma and injustice of all kinds are everywhere, but right now, racial inequality (again) is looming large in the current upheaval.
Right now in America, we all are witnesses to the horrific murder of George Floyd, one tragic event in an irrefutable pattern of systemic abuse of power enacted along racial lines that has gone unchecked and unaccountable in this country for a long time. We can name Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade, among others only recently. This is wrong and it must stop, and we must do more than only say it. Speaking up and speaking out in general terms, therefore, is not enough. We must be specific, and so in recognition of this moment, again as a staff:
We acknowledge our complicity when we are silent and should speak. We commit to saying more.
We acknowledge our advocacy for some while ignoring the plight of others. We commit to wider attention and focused action.
We acknowledge our ignorance of the history and current circumstances of Black lives. We commit to education and learning.
We acknowledge our distance from those who are in deep pain right now, especially our Black siblings. We commit to listening deeply enough to be changed by what we hear. We commit to observing requested boundaries, even while showing relentless affirmation, solidarity and co-celebration.
May this be a moment of acknowledgment. May it be a time for deep reflection and commitment. May we all together be part of change for the better.
The Scott Center for Spiritual & Religious Life team includes Saifa Hussain, Muslim Advisor/Associate Chaplain; Ellen McKay, Program Coordinator; Mark R. Orten, Dean of Spiritual & Religious Life, Director of the Scott Center and chaplain; and Danielle Stillman, Rabbi/Associate Chaplain
(01/23/20 10:57am)
While the turn of the calendar year is often a time for optimism, it is hard to ignore the threat of war with Iran we faced earlier this month, along with the devastating bushfires in Australia that have wreaked havoc on people, animals and their homes. These are the consequences of the neglect we show the planet and the devastating power of modern weaponry. These world events, as well as the struggles of building a society free from hate, can weigh heavily on us.
We at the Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life find ourselves as speechless as any in the wake of these reports that fill our media outlets lately. We also know that this is the time to appeal to the deepest wisdom of our traditions for insight, inspiration to action and hope.
Our traditions and worldviews vary widely, and so too will our actions and responses. We all hope and pray that our world leaders will find restraint in matters of war, action in matters of the climate crisis, and wisdom and compassion in both.
We are holding those personally affected by events around the world close in our thoughts, while offering our friendship and solidarity. To this end, we invite anyone wanting to share these concerns to gather with us at Wisdom Wednesday on Jan. 29 at 1:30–2 p.m. in Mead Chapel. Wisdom Wednesdays happen every week in Mead, and provide a place for the college community to gather for reflection and shared strength.
May the opening of this new decade be a call to all of us to pursue wisdom from all quarters in order to build a future of love, peace and care.
The Scott Center for Spiritual & Religious Life team includes Saifa Hussain, Muslim Advisor/Associate Chaplain; Ellen McKay, Program Coordinator; Mark R. Orten, Dean of Spiritual & Religious Life; and Danielle Stillman, Rabbi/Associate Chaplain
(09/19/19 9:55am)
Authors’ note: Arthur Martins' article in the August 13 issue of the campus, “A call to action: Middlebury, it’s time to prioritize our mental healthcare,” caught the attention of the Scott Center staff, and we are grateful to him for writing such an honest accounting of his experience at Middlebury. As the new school year opens, we wanted to affirm his messages on his experience and about seeking out people on campus for listening and support.
Dear Middlebury students,
You do not have to have things figured out. Let me say that one more time: You do not have to have things figured out. In fact, college is the best time to bask in the unknowing. Your 18 years of experience is being radically challenged with every person you encounter, every academic article you read, every new relationship or breakup, and every destination you visit. You will encounter paradigm shifts that may rattle you, or you may encounter things that will intensify deeply-held parts of you. Either way, you are transforming: molting, budding and blooming.
There will be inevitable growing pains. This process of growth can look messy at times. And that is okay ― it is supposed to happen. That is why one of the best things you can do for yourself is to not only understand these growing pains but hold space for them. The more you can do that, the more you can find the eye in the storm of these next four years.
“Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language. Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day.”
― Rainer Maria Rilke
There are countless ways to hold space for the growth and the messiness of the “unknowing” that you will experience. Experiment with tried and true methods of mindfulness and renewal such as meditation, journaling, a yoga class, prayer or just time in nature. Pick something that works best for you, and make it as much a priority as turning in an assignment or attending team practice. Hold tight to it. This, when done right, will not be at the expense of your academic life, but rather that will make you a better student, professional, friend and person.
Schedule times of the week when you are away from your phone, computer and other distractions to be present with yourself. Go inward and check in deeply. When you are not doing well, know that there are resources on campus that are here for you. Too often, we hear students say they wished they had spoken to a counselor, chaplain or mentor when things were difficult, but felt they had no time. In reality, we make time for things that we think are important. Understand that your wellbeing is just as much a priority for you as your academic achievement. Reaching out to a counselor or chaplain will never be an inconvenience!
Knowledge is multidimensional and involves the whole person. It is not enough to ask for grades, performance and a great career. True knowledge and success incorporates your passions, your dreams, your personality, and your wisdom as much as a skill set or being book smart. Invest in your whole self in these next few years, and have certainty that the return on that investment will be a wiser, better and truer you.
May you befriend the deafening unknown and ride the adventures ahead of you!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at The Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life