Friday Morning President's Message to SLU Community on the Stockley Trial Announcement

Dear members of the SLU community, 

Many believe it is likely that the verdict in the Stockley case will be rendered today. 

I call to mind three years ago, when our city and region were shaken following the shootings of Michael Brown in Ferguson and VonDerrit Myers, Jr. in the Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis. The deep wounds evoked in their wake are still fresh in the hearts and minds of many in our community.  

While some progress has been made – including systemic changes to the municipal courts across the state – we know that more must be done. Regrettably, systemic injustices do not disappear quickly. There is considerable tension around the outcome of this verdict in light of the deep-seated challenges that plague our region. As such, peaceful protests and disruptions have been promised. 

In this moment, it is natural to recall the tragedy that occurred in Charlottesville and fear a replication. As I shared in my statement following the Charlottesville protests, “Saint Louis University promotes freedom of speech, yet we will always condemn using that right to propagate hate, reinforce oppression, and dehumanize our neighbors.” I will add to that we must support the right to protest peacefully. Listening to the voices of those who are hurt or angry is crucial – even if we disagree with what is said. But violence cannot be tolerated. 

We expect that many in our community will go about their day as usual. We also know that some members of the SLU community will want to be heard in our community and on our campuses — for or against the decision. As usual, we will allow peaceful protest. It is your right to do so. Certainly, that can be uncomfortable, but it can also be a learning experience, to hear and see why some in the SLU community feel so strongly about the verdict and what it means to them personally.  

For several weeks, the leadership of the University, including law school Dean William Johnson and his staff, have been preparing for the verdict through educational teach-ins and communication and contingency plans should they be needed. I commend Dean Johnson for the thoughtful and caring manner in which he has approached this situation, while also making it a teaching moment for our future lawyers. 

To reiterate our plans stated yesterday: 

• Our intention is to operate as normal unless circumstances dictate otherwise. 
• For emergencies or safety issues, please call the Department of Public Safety at 314-977-3000. 
• University leadership and I will remain on campus carefully monitoring any situation that may unfold. 
• Check emails, SLU Official social media, and the RAVE alert system for critical updates. 
• The Information Call Center is open to answer questions and provide updates about our campuses. The call-in number is 1-800-758-3678. 
• The University will be holding dialogue sessions next week. We will circulate details early next week. 
• In the meantime, I encourage all of our community to dialogue about this situation and the overarching conditions of the region. Take a moment to bring it up at lunch, in staff meetings, in prayer, or with anyone who is willing to listen. Seek to understand, and generously share empathy.

 As always, I have confidence that we will care for each other and for those in need. We have a long history of non-violent activism and authentic engagement at SLU, and we remain committed to the Jesuits’ unyielding work for reconciliation and justice. I ask each of you to open your hearts and show the compassion that has always been a hallmark of our great University.  

 Sincerely, 

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. 
President