Re: Personnel Changes in Xavier University of Louisiana Office of Campus Ministry

Dear Xavier University of Louisiana Administration,

The students and alumni of Xavier University of Louisiana appreciate the efforts administration has taken to ensure the longevity of Xavier’s mission to create a more just and humane society. However, the downsizing of the Office of Campus Ministry (OCM) raises significant concerns. The termination of Director of OCM and Administrative Assistant of OCM has been met with disappointment by Xavierites. Both positions are crucial in serving the spiritual health of the Xavier student body, and abrupt vacation of the roles will not only significantly cripple the functionality of Xavier’s Office of Campus Ministry, but the foundation of spiritual life and support of the Xavier student body. Likewise, students and alumni are saddened by the timing of the staffing reduction announcement with our University’s Centennial Homecoming Celebration. Homecoming is a time to celebrate the generational impact Xavier has made in the world and the family we created in the process. We believe the manner of terminations does not allow for a smooth nor seamless transition that will ensure that spiritual student services remain uninterrupted. In the present age of our nation, the rights of students of color to obtain a quality education are under assault from every level of government, and the sanctity of the college campus is being eroded on a consistent basis. We believe it is Xavier’s role to protect its students and foster their holistic development as student leaders, which includes supporting their faith.

As the only Catholic HBCU in the nation, Xavier University of Louisiana serves a unique role in offering students a high-quality HBCU education in a faith-anchored environment. Xavierites do not have to hide their faith, but can freely express and explore their spirituality without fear of backlash. Xavier is more than just an academic institution; Xavier is a family, and Campus Ministry is at the heart of that family. Xavier's Catholic identity is not a relic of the past; it remains as vibrant a component of our mission in 2025 as at our inception in 1925. Countless Xavier students and alumni can speak to how impactful Campus Ministry is/was on their journey through Xavier. The signatures and comments in this petition will speak to the importance of the Office of Campus Ministry at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Students who flock to Xavier are supported by the work of Campus Ministry. Religious or not, students’ spiritual well-being is fostered through the student-led organizations within OCM. Through Campus Ministry, students are afforded opportunities to develop their gifts through leadership positions and as community advocates impacting people around the globe. From the Xavier University Gospel Choir to the social justice efforts of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Student Ambassadors to weekly Student-Led Bible Study, students who participate in Campus Ministry are modern torchbearers of our Foundress Mother Katharine Drexel’s legacy. Campus Ministry staff also serve students via efforts such as counseling, Busy Person Retreats, and Vincent’s Vault, an on-campus pantry for students facing food insecurity. Each semester, OCM supports students as they plan and host Student Retreats and Finals Prayer Services. Beloved by the entire student body, each event offers Xavierites the opportunity for meaningful mid-semester reflection and recentering on the eve of final exam week.

We respectfully urge the University to immediately reevaluate the structure of the Office of Campus Ministry. The removal of the Director and Administrative Assistant will prove detrimental to the spiritual health of the student body as well as the mission of the University as a whole. We respectfully request that a representative body, including students who participate and benefit from Campus Ministry, is utilized in any future departmental restructuring efforts.

Prayerfully,

Students & Alumni of Xavier University of Louisiana