Dons Attend Ignatian Family Teach-In For Justice

A group of Dons (Edgar Zelaya '19, Keivon Anderson '20, Connor Maimone '19, Damian Stifter '18, Ian Thompson '19, Dominic Nesmith Jr. '18, and Pujan Baral '19) traveled to Washington, DC, from November 4–6 to take part in the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice hosted by the Ignatian Solidarity Network.

According to the Ignatian Solidarity Network's website, the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice is an annual gathering for members of the Ignatian family (Jesuit institutions and larger church) to come together in the context of social justice and solidarity to learn, reflect, pray, network, and advocate together. It is a place where people are empowered, re-energized, inspired, challenged, and supported by a community that sees faith and justice integrally linked.

Our Dons attended the opening ceremony on Saturday along with nearly 2,000 students, faculty, and members of Jesuit schools, universities, and churches from all over the country. During the ceremony, they heard from one of the keynote speakers, Fr. Bryan Massingale, who gave an address on the Ignatian Response to Racism.

On Sunday, they took part in several breakout sessions and advocacy training with professional advocates to help prepare for discussions with their elected officials the following day. This year, our students chose to focus on humane immigration and criminal justice reform. In the evening, the group attended Mass and dinner with students from Jesuit schools all across the country.

Student met outside of Union Station for the Public Witness rally on Monday morning before heading to Capitol Hill, where they met with Melissa Guerrero, Legislative Corespondent for Senator Chris Van Hollen, and presented their statements and research on humane immigration and criminal justice reform.

It was a great weekend for this group of Dons, who let their voices be heard while advocating for the marginalized. Thanks to our Office of Ignatian Service for continuing to organize this experience each year.

View photos from the weekend below.

2017 Ignatian Family Teach-In For Justice
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