The tragic events and unrest of the past few weeks serve as stark reminders of our nation’s continued struggle with racial equality and justice. ASMSA’s community of learning stands in solidarity with our students, families, alumni, and colleagues of color against acts of racism, prejudice, and hate.
From the wide array of individual backgrounds and experiences, we strive to weave a tapestry of understanding and growth within the classroom and residential experiences as students learn from and alongside their peers of different backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs.
Conversations around race and inclusivity are difficult and challenging. Even when well-intended, the process of bringing to light systemic disparities and ingrained biases is as necessary as it is messy and imperfect. As we work collectively toward empathy and understanding, it is essential that our students, alumni, families, and staff of color are heard, respected, and supported.
The last few months have been difficult for our state and nation. In a recent essay on faith and the current pandemic, scholar and theologian N.T. Wright explains that some are seeking answers and others seek relief, but perhaps the expression that is most fitting for the current moment is one of lamentation. Wright notes, “Lament is what happens when people ask, ‘Why?’ and don’t get an answer. It’s where we get to when we move beyond our self-centered worry [...] and look more broadly at the suffering of the world.”
A lamentation is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow, which is clearly mirrored in the past week’s public demonstrations and fierce civic debates. We mourn senseless loss of life. We grieve destruction of communities. We lament the breach of trust when justice is not served and individuals are not held fully accountable for the impact of their actions.
Undoubtedly, the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic and the lamentation surrounding systemic racism may take a toll on one’s mental and emotional well-being. ASMSA has already allocated resources to ensure that our school counselor, Ms. Stich, remains available to assist ASMSA students through their individual concerns and challenges this summer. Please contact her by email or phone should you wish to schedule time to speak and process your concerns. In addition, please do not hesitate to contact ASMSA administration regarding your questions and concerns. We welcome the opportunity to support our families throughout this crisis.
Though our students are not with us on campus, they are with us in spirit and serve as our inspiration. We are humbled to witness the motivation, compassion, and brilliance of our students and alumni on a daily basis. Caring, capable, and determined, this newest generation of scholars and artists provides us, the faculty, staff, and administration, a ray of hope for the days to come.
Out of hope comes resolve.
We resolve to listen with open minds and hearts. We resolve to act with care and caution as we provide a safe and stimulating learning community for our student population. We resolve to serve as allies and active participants in the fight against systemic racism. We resolve to continue reaching out to communities throughout Arkansas so that students and families know that our school welcomes learners of all races, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds.
Stay safe. Stay strong. Know that we are here to help however we can.
Corey Alderdice, ASMSA Director
Rheo Morris, Ph.D., Dean of Students
Stuart Flynn, J.D., Dean of Academic Affairs