The University of St. Thomas today issued the following update:
The student shown in a video that began circulating widely on social media last week has decided to withdraw from St. Thomas. The university is sharing this information at the request of the student and her family.
Additionally, the following statement from the student has been included at her request:
I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during the situation with the protesters. What I said and did was wrong, and I understand that my actions caused hurt and disappointment. Regardless of the circumstances, I should have handled the situation with respect, and I take full responsibility for my behavior. I am truly sorry.
I understand that everyone has the right to express their opinions, even when we disagree. My actions did not reflect the respect and understanding that others deserve, and I recognize the importance of acknowledging the harm my words and actions can cause.
I understand that my actions have consequences, and I take responsibility for that. I know I have a lot to learn from this experience, and I am committed to educating myself and better understanding how my words and actions affect others. I sincerely apologize to those I have hurt or disappointed, and I will use this experience as an opportunity to grow and do better moving forward.
St. Thomas is an institution whose mission and identity are rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and Church teaching. St. Thomas’ mission calls the university to build and steward a community in which every person is welcome, respected and treated with dignity. We encourage all members of our community to take accountability when their actions do not live up to these values. We further condemn the actions by those outside our community who have engaged in threats of violence, intimidation and harassment. Civil dialogue, critical thinking, the search for truth and care for the human person are the values that should always guide us as a university.
