Catholic Jesuit educational mission: Catholic social teaching and Arrupian justice approach in pursuit of racial justice at traditional Jesuit schools

Abstract

ABSTRACTResults from a case study school are reported. The mission of a Catholic, Jesuit High School consists of teaching and living the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching as a way to love one’s neighbor. This involves ensuring the human dignity of all human beings. Traditional American Jesuit High Schools continue to pursue the human dignity and be in right relationship with all underrepresented and underserved communities despite societal and demographic challenges and political headwinds. This manuscript presents a perspective of racial justice that interweaves Catholic Social Teaching with the social justice vision of Pedro Arrupe. Arrupe is the former Jesuit Superior General of the Jesuits and the inspiration behind Traditional Jesuit high schools incorporating the principles of Catholic Social Teaching within their schools. This article explores how the Catholic Jesuit mission specifically as it pertains to issues of racial justice can be animated within the traditional Jesuit educational institutions in substantive and most transformative ways requiring greater prophetic governance and leadership. Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsSajit U. KabadiSajit Kabadi is currently an Assistant Principal of Mission, Ministry, and Diversity. He is also a theology teacher, director of diversity, Board of Trustee, Consultant, Volunteer, and Student in several traditional Jesuit high schools throughout the United States. He has a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation with a focus on justice issues in primarily Catholic, Jesuit Institutions.