By Xavier College Democrats

In light of recent events, politically affiliated organizations on campus have released statements conveying their official stances on ICE and immigration in the U.S. Xavier College Democrats statement is published below.  Xavier College Republicans was offered the space to have their statement published but declined. None of these statements are the official opinion of the Newswire.

The Xavier College Democrats are committed to building an inclusive community at our university, where all individuals, regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion or creed, can find a home. 

The murders of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Keith Porter and Isaias Sanchez Barboza, as well as the dozens of other people who have been injured or killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for practicing their First Amendment right to protest, weigh heavily on our hearts. We recognize the value that diversity brings to our school and the talents that immigrants bring to our nation at large. 

America was founded as a refuge for the weary masses who were fleeing oppression – and still flee from it today. Yet oppression is at our doorstep and threatens to violate even our most cherished beliefs. As a community, we need to come together and reaffirm our commitments to each other and to democracy. 

For these reasons, we are discouraged when members of our community repeat the same vitriolic messaging that makes mainstream politics unbearable. We applaud the audience and the speakers who participated in the prayer vigil this past Monday evening, but our commitment to justice does not end at rallies and voting. The cold could not dampen our spirits for solidarity and kinship as we listened to the personal testimonies from our peers and their pleas for us to get involved.

We ask that all the members of Xavier University come together in this heated political moment and stand by our shared Ignatian values. We must be in solidarity with the oppressed and ensure we uphold their safety and well-being. We encourage members of College Democrats to volunteer with service organizations that serve immigrant communities and promote the common good. Finally, we encourage everyone to register to vote either in your home state or in Cincinnati.

All for One, and One for All,

Your College Democrats Executive Board