York College Statement On Current Events

I recognize that this message is late. We have been working on this for a couple of days - and though late, it is still essential that I share these words with you today.

Our country is undergoing a lot of turmoil right now. None of us could have expected the ravages of the coronavirus or the disruption of society caused by the senseless death of George Floyd. As Christians, we are not only saddened, but incensed by the pervasive racism we see around us and the increasing divide we see among people in our culture.  

There is no excuse for the treatment and subsequent death of George Floyd and our hearts go out to his family. We stand in support of those who are using this incident to bring the injustices of our society to the forefront of national conversation.

As a campus that is among the most diverse in the nation, we care deeply about the reality and the perception of racism and favoritism that is being highlighted in recent demonstrations. We are in prayer for all of our students and constituents, but at this time are focused on our students of color who are most affected by the injustices of society and our legal system.

As an institution and a family, we care deeply about understanding racism and working toward reconciliation of diverse groups in our culture and on our campus. Reconciliation is a biblical principle (II Cor. 5) and one we have always held dear. It is important that we talk about racism amongst ourselves and take the time to listen to those of our number who have been most greatly affected. York College is listening. York College is learning. There are no easy answers but we are committed to working together as a community to pursue real equality.

I wrote the following in an introduction to this summer's Heritage magazine:

"Recent events remind us how much the world needs God. The racism and dissension we are experiencing as I write this tend to illustrate in stark relief how different our lives would be if everyone had a relationship with Christ. The death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests and riots make our hearts yearn for the God of peace and should make us think deeply about how we respond as children of God. I am more convinced than ever that the world needs places like York College where a group of diverse young people come together and figure out how to live together. The only answer to the problem is the same answer through the ages: a transforming, faithful God who can reconcile us not only to Himself but to one another modeled by those who love Him."

Our hearts go out to those of color who feel the sting of being disenfranchised as well as those whose lives and livelihoods have been negatively impacted by recent events. If there is any way we can specifically support you or pray for you at this time, please let me know.  

Steve Eckman
President