Diversity

Ignatius Loyola and his Jesuits have seen the world, in the phrase of the great Jesuit poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, as "charged with the grandeur of God." This means that they regard the rich diversity of life and creation to be inherently good - even holy - insofar as that diversity shows forth countless reflections of the Creator's own inexhaustibly rich nature. Ignatius also conceived of his Jesuits from their inception as a global order at the service of the worldwide Church; and the Jesuit educational tradition, as a humanistic ideal conceived in the "age of exploration," has from the outset regarded greater breadth of knowledge and a more comprehensively global perspective as hallmarks of heightened excellence. Indeed, throughout their history, Jesuits have been noted for their openness to and close observation of cultures other their own, as well as for their efforts at mutually enriching intercultural dialogue. Many have distinguished themselves, for instance, by the careful study of indigenous languages in their adopted countries and cultures. Hence, it seems unsurprising that Jesuit schools have traditionally fostered openness toward and special interest in peoples, experiences, and ideas that are new, different, and diverse. The Jesuit educational tradition has sought to celebrate differences, while at the same time seeking out and highlighting fundamental human qualities which are shared across diverse cultures. Beyond its Jesuit heritage, Loyola has its own tradition and history of religious diversity. When the College was founded in 1852, one of its seven original students was non-Christian; and perhaps as a consequence, chapel attendance was never mandatory at Loyola. The current and ongoing commitment of the Jesuits to such diversity is expressed in the documents of their most recent General Congregation: "The signs of the times give stark proof of the fact that a faith doing justice must necessarily lead to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and cooperation."

Seeking to increase its own diverse nature, Loyola encourages openness to new discoveries, ideas, methods, and perspectives, and it actively encourages and celebrates diversity in all forms. This includes promoting "awareness of and sensitivity toward differences of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, culture, sexual orientation, religion, age, and disabilities" as articulated in the College's current undergraduate and graduate catalogs. Indeed, Loyola sees diversity as an inherent source of richness and a necessary opportunity for learning and growth. In this, it accepts the contemporary challenge of the Catholic Church that universities "must become more attentive to the cultures of the world of today, and to the various cultural traditions existing within the Church in a way that will promote a continuous and profitable dialogue between the Gospel and modern society." Loyola also seeks to encourage all of its constituents to respect, value, and welcome "the inherent value and dignity of each person" as a gifted contributor to the community as a whole. The College is of course committed to challenging and repudiating prejudice in all its forms, and to encouraging global and international awareness, both within and outside its curricula.