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Lansing diocese takes steps to address racism complaints

Bishop Earl Boyea (standing) talks with members of the Task Force on Race and Catholic Schools in January, 2018
steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio
Bishop Earl Boyea (standing) talks with members of the Task Force on Race and Catholic Schools in January, 2018
Bishop Earl Boyea (standing) talks with members of the Task Force on Race and Catholic Schools in January, 2018
Credit steve carmody / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio
Bishop Earl Boyea (standing) talks with members of the Task Force on Race and Catholic Schools in January, 2018

Lansing’s Catholic bishop has responded to an internal review into complaints the diocese’s schools were racially insensitive.

The diocese was criticized after several African-American Lansing Catholic High School football players were benched after kneeling during the national anthemin 2017.

In early 2018, Bishop Earl Boyea formed a task force to examine questions of race and Catholic schools.

The task force made 10 recommendations, with an emphasis on diversity. 

Friday, Bishop Boyea announced the diocese will offer scholarships to increase the number of minority students and teachers in Lansing Catholic schools.

The bishop promises a commitment to dialogue on racial issues. He also wants schools in the diocese to provide programs on the “evils of racism.”

Copyright 2019 Michigan Radio

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Radio since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting. During his two and a half decades in broadcasting, Steve has won numerous awards, including accolades from the Associated Press and Radio and Television News Directors Association. Away from the broadcast booth, Steve is an avid reader and movie fanatic. Q&A