Know Your Roots
Today, I came across a very disturbing but not surprising article today about my alma mater. According to the article, former basketball player for the La Salle Explorers, Demetrius Henry made a decision to leave the basketball team and pursue basketball professionally. When asked why, he stated that there were many reasons but he cited a few troublesome things. After reading this article I had a lot of issues with what happened, and the article is available in the hyperlink above but I want to talk about a few key points here:
According to the article, Demitrius Henry is very vocal about social injustices and this was met with discouragement from his coach Giannini, who apparently tried to silence him and was told to “voice his concerns to Giannini, rather than the public” (Borne)
“As a sociology major, I’m more aware of these problems now than ever,” Henry said. “As far as doing something on the court, I’m not sure if I would have done something just because I heard when Khalid [Lewis] went to La Salle he wore that ‘I Can’t Breathe’ shirt and he was told to take it off. Some people feel that doing something on the court or field is a distraction to the team but they’re totally missing the point of the message which is to bring awareness to the injustice of minorities.” (Borne)
“Henry hadn’t planned to do anything like that this upcoming season because of how the program had handled players attempting to do so before.” (Borne)
Allow me to explain why I find these particular passages so infuriating.
A Lasallian education is a particular kind of education that revolves around five core principles: respect for all persons, faith and presence of god, quality education, providing and nurturing an inclusive community, and concern for the poor and social justice. During our time at La Salle we are given the tools to function in our professional lives, and develop an understanding of how to conduct ourselves with those five core principles at La Salle University. We are told to volunteer our time, do service, learn from and look out for our surrounding community, stand up and have concern for the poor and social justice. It is part of our Lasallian pedagogy. It’s what we do.
But in this instance we see someone telling a student who is actively being taught to do this, not to do so. To do the complete opposite.
Now before anyone points out this was probably a business and public relations move, I know. But that is not an acceptable excuse.
I understand that the basketball team brings in quite a bit of money for La Salle. I understand that it is easier for people to just sit by and play the game so that way we as an institution do not upset the apple cart and just bring in money for the school. But doing so is against the Lasallian charism. I am infuriated that someone who is an employee of La Salle University would suggest and think that it is better to stifle the personal and Lasallian growth of a student in order to save face and make sure that no one gets upset or offended. This goes against everything we are taught as Lasallians. John Baptist de La Salle would be ashamed. Business, and money, and possible bad press should not get in the way of the Lasallian charism.
What is equally as frustrating is the fact that I have seen this type of push back before. When I attended, there was tension in the air when the AASL organized a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest. We saw the president there, and were happy for her support. But the tension and reactions that came as as a result of that shine light on a bigger problem. It said a lot more about the school’s campus and views about people standing up for social justice, despite social justice being such a big part of our Lasallian education. In that instance we had some great faculty who supported us, those who conducted themselves as true Lasallian educators. But yet another example of this push back against students engaging in activities that stemmed from their Lasallian values is quoted above about Khalid Lewis who wore an “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirt and was told to take it off. This shirt would hurt no one, but it would raise awareness and potentially bring on a bad image of La Salle, so it wasn’t allowed.
So tell me, are we supposed to conduct ourselves with those five core values until it makes someone uncomfortable and then stop? Funny... you do know that we realize that’s how oppression continues, and that is how progress in social justice issues are impeded, slowed down and stopped...right?
Unless Giannini is going to be able to make all of the systemic oppression and social justice issues Demitrius and countless other La Salle students are worried about disappear, then just talking to him isn’t going to solve anything. Unless Giannini is going to go out and voice the very same concerns about social justice issues that Demitrius had, in order to bring awareness on a different situation and platform; Giannini’s words and listening ears are as worthless as the amount of change that will come out of staying silent. Making a statement as someone with a platform is much more effective, but everyone knew that already.
Let me say one thing as a Lasallian lay person. If teachers, students, staff or instructors at Lasallian institutions:
1. Are so uncomfortable with the negativity that comes with social justice issues (you know...about the legislation and forces that oppress people and deny people of rights)
2. Would rather tell someone to be quiet about something that is such a key part of their specific type of education.
You should to go earn an education somewhere else, or teach elsewhere.
You are employed at or enrolled in the wrong institution.
Or educate yourself about the fundamental values and teachings of the institution that employs and educates you.
Do they align with your own values?
Demitrius, as a fellow sociology major...I understand your position completely. That field gives you an up close, behind the scenes look into issues you had no idea would tear your heart out when you see them in action in the world around you. It’s difficult or nearly impossible to stay silent, after you become painfully aware of the inner workings/reasons behind the social issues you have great concerns about and would give anything to alleviate.
You’ve got your compass guiding you where you need to go, while others are standing stagnant as they find a way to go.
So thank you for speaking up.
Thank you for standing up for what you believe in.
The love I have for my alma mater is boundless, but with that comes tough love and calling out bullshit when I see it.
Do better.
Students are there for an education, a Lasallian education.
Provide opportunities to act and learn, don’t hinder them.