Upon worshipful reflection, Friends were reminded that the roots of racial prejudice lie deep within us, and in seeking a solution to the evil results of racial tensions we need to search our own hearts. Our belief in the significance of every individual in the sight of God and in his/her need for an abundant life can guide us even when we shrink before the vastness of the problem. The racial incidents at the University of Massachusetts and the other colleges in our area call us to deepen our commitment to unlearning our own racism.

Friends at Mount Toby express admiration for the courage of students of color for attending school in our predominantly white area with white students who mostly come from white communities.  Yet again, it is their presence and fortitute which are teaching white people about our racism. Friends also express appreciation to the University and colleges for their efforts actively to recruit students of color in order to create a more diverse learning community. We pray that in our coming together we may open our hearts to the beauty of the diversity of creation and God's loving presence which unites us all.

The above statement on racial incidents at the University of Massachusetts and other area colleges was presented to the Interfaith Service Council on 12/17/92.