Edgewood College President Andrew Manion issued a statement on the school's website following the shooting of Jacob Blake, calling it “an intolerable act.”

Blake was unarmed at the time of his shooting in Kenosha, which is located in southeastern Wisconsin, Manion said. He was shot multiple times in the back while his three young children in the car witnessed the crime. While an investigation has been launched into the shooting, the community is greatly impacted by the severity of this violent action.

“In a communication that today seems like last year (it was May 2020), we talked about the murder of George Floyd, and how our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice compels us to speak,” Manion said in the statement. “That was true then, as it is today.”

As Catholics and Dominicans, it is imperative that the community of Edgewood stand with the Black community both on and off the campus. While it is hurtful to witness violence against any human being, for people of color, these crimes are all the more visceral.

“As was true in May, those of us who have not had to experience this kind of violence, trauma, oppression and injustice have not worked hard enough to end it," Manion stated. "In our own community, we are taking steps to transform our culture into the model of community and social justice that our mission and values demand of us."

Additionally, he noted that racism has become part of our society and that this institutionalized hatred and discrimination against individuals of color is wide-reaching.

Manion pleaded with the individuals he addressed to be in prayer with the Blake family.

“I ask that any demonstrations in support of Jacob be peaceful," Manion said. "We must do our best to respond to violence with non-violence. Let’s also remember to support one another in the days ahead."