Dear Members of the Chestnut Hill College Community,

There are no words to describe the anguish and pain that have followed the shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr. by Philadelphia police officers on Monday night. Like many of you, I have watched and read news accounts of this tragedy, which raises difficult questions about the need for lethal use of force in this case, which has generated intense anger throughout the city. This anger is understandable, as we find ourselves experiencing the violent death of yet another black man. On behalf of the Chestnut Hill College Community, I want all of you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Wallace’s family, friends, and our West Philadelphia neighbors. Their loss is ours as well.

At this time, I call on all of us in the Chestnut Hill College community to remember again how precious and fragile life can be, and how important it is for each of us to recognize ourselves in each other, so that we may all live together in peace.

In prayer,

Sister Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D.
President