Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools prides itself on student achievement. In fact, “pride” is a part of its ethos. As alumni and students of the school, we are speaking out because we do not have pride in our alma mater, but yearn for a day when we can.

Catholic Social Teaching outlines that the “measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.” This respect for the dignity of each person has not been extended to all students at Heelan. 

We will be proud of our school when: 

• Our classrooms and teachers/counselors/faculty reflect and exceed the diversity in our community including hiring a diversity chair who is of color
• Our school implements professional development in diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism
• Our school expands it’s curriculum to meaningfully educate students on Black History, Native American History and all marginalized identities 
• Our administration addresses and investigates with serious disciplinary action all racist incidents reported and/or witnessed 
• Our handbook lays out the ramifications for racially targeted behavior and explicitly states that African-American hair will not be policed

We are Heelan only when these changes happen. If you are a current faculty member, student, alumnus, or parents of students or alumni please join us in demanding an equitable environment within and from Heelan administrators by signing this petition and following us on Instagram at Bishop_Heelan_Catholic_Schools