As a follow-up to Bellarmine’s Justice Summit and its theme of Walking with the Excluded held in February, a Justice Assembly was held the morning of March 28 during which several students and two faculty members shared reflections.
The participating speakers, introduced by faculty member Peng Yav, included Abdullah Anwar ’24, Nate Escalada ’23, Dominic Magaña ’25, Alex Almora Rios ’23, and faculty members Jesus Briceño and Kathleen Lance. The speakers shared very personal reflections about times they have felt excluded, and covered such topics as racism, immigration, gender issues, sexism, homophobia, the importance of being heard, and the need for all to feel valued and respected.
As mentioned by faculty member Daniel Martin during his welcoming remarks, “Justice is at the heart of our mission.” The assembly was bookended with the singing of the Bill Withers song, Lean on Me, led by faculty members Chris Cozort, Katya Lohngoen, Katie McKinley, Missy Scott-Flores, An Vu, S.J., and Lisa Yi.
Ms. Scott-Flores delivered closing remarks emphasizing that addressing issues such as those explored at the Justice Assembly is respected by the wider community and is a reflection on who we are as Bellarmine College Prep.