With deep concern for rising levels of antisemitism throughout the country, Siena College makes clear its unwavering commitment, as a Franciscan community, to the unique worth of each and every person. We unequivocally condemn any and all violence, whether motivated by religious, racial, or political grievances; we denounce any rhetoric which seeks to dehumanize or disrespect the Jewish people or Judaism as a religious tradition; and we stand arm-in-arm, now and always, with the Jewish members of our community and Jewish people everywhere.
Siena College is committed to the work of the Hayyim and Esther Kieval Institute for Jewish-Christian studies, which brings the Franciscan vision of the College to life. This institute creates a learning atmosphere in which the wealth of human diversity is celebrated on campus through opportunities for Jews and Christians to meet together to discuss areas of mutual concern, to express diversity and rejoice in commonalities.
Siena is proudly composed of, and in dialogue with, people from all different religious and cultural traditions. As a learning institution, we celebrate our differences and seek to advance, not only the intellectual growth of our students, but their spiritual, religious, and ethical formation as well. As a Catholic college, we embrace the words of the Most Reverend Edward Scharfenberger, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, who said “Anti-Semitic acts must be condemned in the name of God who loves all of humanity and, indeed, humanity itself.”
We will continue to build a community strengthened through diversity, where members work together in friendship and respect, committed to building a world that is more just, peaceable, and humane. St Francis taught his followers, as Christ taught him, that God has called them together in love and not hatred. The Siena community will always stand behind those who live this message.