Solidarity Letter
During the recent NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, “clearly audible” racial slurs were directed at the Utah women’s basketball team. Members of the Inclusive Justice Initiative ministry find themselves bothered by the hatred, rhetoric and disrespect we so often encounter. In a show of solidarity with the Utah women’s team and their coach, the following letter was sent in the name of St. Thomas:
Dear Coach Roberts:
The people of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, Illinois, wish to express to you and the 2024 University of Utah women’s basketball team our deep sadness at the incidents of racial hatred directed at the team in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, during the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
That such disturbing attacks should have become part of a respected tradition of sport enjoyed by athletes and fans across the country is shocking and must be rejected by all Americans. Although we live many miles away from your geographical area, such expressions of hate damage us all. We continue to support all efforts to remove such behavior from our country and hope that you will accept our expression of solidarity and our promise to work for a more just and welcoming society.
