NTC Petition

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The decision to dismiss Dr. Topping, though perhaps justified to those involved in the process, has seemingly failed to take into account the interests and concerns of the broader community whom Newman college is meant to serve. I waited on signing the petition to see if there would be further information that would help abate some of my concerns, but there has been very little in that regard that has been offered to those whom the decision heavily effects, which unfortunately has led many to draw their own conclusions. My own conclusion is that most of the faculty are out of touch with the community they're supposed to be serving, as they were afraid of those who protested (we are not a violent group!) and have reacted in ways that come across as immature in response to completely peaceful, truth-seeking concerns. Newman has not been the same place since Dr. Topping left. The enthusiasm is muted, the student body seems less united, and the college seems soulless. Dr. Topping brought Catholic culture to life, and embodied a joy and enthusiasm that raised us all to share in it. He appealed to all groups of Catholics, and helped us rationally find a way to reconcile our differences and get on the same page, being an example of this himself: when an issue of personal piety versus obedience to the bishop was brought to his attention, he changed his habits and followed the bishop, thus offering the challenge to us to rise above our pride in our own ways of doing things to instead have a rational discussion with a real desire to find the truth, and through this, be united with one another under our leaders. The other members of faculty do not appear to care much about us, because they did not consult us on any of their decisions, and seem to desire a more professional environment rather than a community environment that truly encourages an enthusiasm to learn. They have their own ways and opinions, and they have used their power to enforce them. At least, that's my read -- I have no other information to work with to see it any other way! I find it difficult to be in a philosophy class studying ideal political structures, but to be in a college where the structure is anything but ideal according to what I'm learning. I hope that the statement we got that the decision was backed by lots of prayer is true, because I'll admit, I don't know God's ways.

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NTC Petition

Entry #519 View Responses