President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., Delivers Message on Walter Wallace, Jr. Killing

Along with so many of you, I have followed the distressing and unnerving news from last night and today. The tragic last moments of Walter Wallace, Jr., a Black man who was shot and killed by police in West Philadelphia, were captured on camera. The video is heart-wrenching and difficult to watch.

This incident hits particularly close to home, as some of our students actively engage with the Cobbs Creek and surrounding community through our Health Promoter Program, our affiliation with Mercy Hospital and weekly service sites.

As I have said previously, our Jesuit heritage and mission, grounded in the service of faith and the promotion of justice, calls on us to approach societal problems actively and reflectively. To work towards social justice and respect for the dignity and inherent value of human life. To reject violence, even when our feelings or emotions may be pulling us in that direction. It is incumbent upon us to be a voice for non-violence, for peaceful solutions and for healing. It is incumbent upon us to care. Members of our community responding in this manner do so with the University’s support.

Look for additional resources in the coming days through Dr. Nicole Stokes and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

We join together once again with prayer and concern for all.

Mark C. Reed, Ed.D.
President