Why should Springfield College Students care about segregation?
Miguel Arce
Distinguished Professor of Humanics, 2023-2024
Professor Herb Zettl, the Distinguished Springfield College Professor of Humanics for 1986, emphasized the importance of a common heritage that must be explored and confront the challenges of the contemporary world. He urged students to look at ethical considerations people make in their lives and to study choices individuals and society make. He asks his colleagues to strive to instill in students the ideas of justice, truth as well as respect and concern fellow human beings. He indicates that these are necessary values of any free community. Professor Zettl indicates students must “look at the contemporary world, and try to understand the processes in which they are engaged.”
The Humanics initiative for 2023-2024 has a threefold mission. First, the goal is to provide awareness about segregation in Springfield, Mass., and its harmful impact on Latina/o children and their families’ wellbeing. Secondly, to organize the college and community around providing a united response to the inequity that exists. Finally, on March 13, 2024, to convene all stakeholder to come together in search for solutions to the racial disparities and inequity that prevail in our own community.
Organizing the college and community to participate in such work and dialogue is challenging. Daily obligations make it hard for people to get together in a meaningful way as they access their opportunities and face their challenges. Springfield College must engage the community in this quest. The goal of this project coincides with the mission and priorities of Springfield College. Addressing segregation, racial bias and inequity as well as their harmful effects on the Latina/o children and their families is an urgent priory.
Springfield College seeks to understand and confront the challenges of segregation. The Humanics effort attempts to reach out to and act in coordination with significant others stakeholder about what can be done. Despite the overwhelming challenges, in partnership with others, the Humanics project seeks to mobilize the institution. In effect, Springfield College, recognizing a need, has stepped forward with integrity to say “we care.” While the challenges are great, the College has eagerly stepped forward to lead and to serve.
Photo courtesy of Springfield College