National tragedy shakes up emotions

By Leslie-Ann Holt

The school year at Santa Clara University has begun with much focus on the terrorist attacks that occurred in New York and Washington, D. C. on Sept. 11.

Like the rest of the world, the Santa Clara community is trying to make sense of the horrible events of that day. In addition to disrupting campus life, the tragedy has sparked debate about how individuals at a Jesuit institution should react.

To begin the healing process, Last Tuesday's convocation was moved to the Mission Church for a community prayer service. Santa Clara University President Paul Locatelli, S. J. addressed faculty and staff.

"There is a demanding challenge for those who hope in a merciful God. We are called to overcome evil with good, to forgo resentment and retaliation. It may be tempting to turn on those who we think perpetrated these awful acts," he said.

In addition to discouraging misplaced blame, Locatelli consistently and repeatedly stressed the need for a prayerful, peaceful response over one of vengeance.

"If we do not trust God and do not imitate God's mercy then evil will not be overcome by good. Just the opposite will happen, evil will have spread to us, generating despair and vengeance. And that will mean that evil will have overcome good," he said.

Other leaders of the community expressed similar hopes that the response of the campus would be consistent with Jesuit ideals and would advocate peace, and that as a nation we proceed as peacefully as possible.

"I think that with the services [on campus] the real spirit and heart of the community will come through. [Students have] already started writing our leaders that we try and find a solution that won't endanger the lives of innocent people. I think that would be terribly destructive," Vice Provost Gerdenio Manuel, S. J., said.

Mario Prietto, S. J., director of Campus Ministry, also emphasized the need for prayer, community and a peaceful response.

"Most importantly, we need to trust in the spirit of our God that will work in our community and in our hearts to help us to deal with this in a peaceful and a just manner; not in a vindictive, hateful, or spiteful way, although our feelings of anger and resentment have a legitimacy," he said.

Many students, like sophomore Guillermo Carreon, agree with these sentiments.

"I'm very concerned about our healing process, because obviously we need to vent and express ourselves in some sort of peaceful way," he said.

Senior Brendan Stamper also hopes for a peaceful resolution.

"Obviously we're doing something in the Middle East to instigate this anti-American terrorism and hatred. We should be able to talk things out. Violence never really solves anything," senior Brendan Stamper said.

While many are calling for a non-violent, non-militaristic response, there are also those who see military action as the most realistic option.

"There is a group that absolutely wants every American obliterated. I think it's difficult to say that we can't go to war when it seems that it's already been provoked. We don't have a choice. War has been declared," senior Kassie Borreson said.

Junior Josh Rector agrees. He and others think that military action is the most realistic, though unfortunate, response.

Senior Brian Sullivan believes that the elected American government will choose the course of action that will most effectively resolve the threat posed against the United States, hopefully with the highest regard for civilian lives.

While there are many different opinions on campus about what the appropriate response to the attacks is, Student Body President Joe McNally says he is impressed by the way people have come together.

"Despite all of the uneasiness and sadness, the Santa Clara family has undoubtedly been at its best during the past week. Our campus has really come together and supported one another. Faculty, staff, and students have risen to the occasion. The university staff is working everyday to ensure that the university is doing all they can to comfort and support students. Faculty have been working to see how they can better educate students about what has happened," he said.

Monday's memorial service in the Mission Garden was evidence of this. Approximately 2500 students, faculty and staff attended the service. Ahmad Ahmadi, a Muslim staff member, and Cynthia Baker, and Jewish professor in the religious studies department, shared their thoughts on the teachings of their religions and also called for peace.

Santa Clara University is doing its best to get back to normal, but the beginning of this school year has been hectic. Because of the disruption of air travel and the possibility of personal losses, students are not being dropped from classes for non-attendance during the first week. Deadlines for tuition payment and registration have been pushed back for freshman and transfer students. Many sporting events, such as last Friday's soccer game against Notre Dame, were cancelled but may be rescheduled.

The terrorist attack has also sparked a number of forums and discussions, such as yesterday's panel discussion sponsored by the law school entitled "Terrorism, War, Justice, and the Rule of Law." The Counseling Center's "Debriefing Support Group," where members of the university community can share their thoughts and feelings about the attack, met yesterday and will meet again today, Thursday, Sept. 20, from 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. in Daly Science room 317. Campus Ministry and the Counseling Center are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and have ministers and counselors available to discuss the tragedy.

Those who wish to help with relief efforts may donate blood at the Wellness Center's drive on October 22 in Benson Center's Brass Rail from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on October 23 in the Bloodmobile, which will be parked on the Swig side of Benson Center. Donations to the September 11th fund, which supports emergency assistance agencies, should be sent care of United Way of New York City, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016, 212-251-4035, or go to www.uwnyc.org. Catholic Charities USA has created a national disaster fund to support relief efforts. To donate, call 1-800-919-9338, or go to www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

For updates on cancelled or rescheduled university events and forums or programs related to September 11, visit the university's web site at www.scu.edu.