This past week, Lansing’s Catholic bishop introduced a special panel that will examine issues of race in the diocese.
The Task Force on Race and Catholic Schools was formed in the wake of a controversy involving several Lansing Catholic football players. They were punished for taking a knee during the national anthem last fall.
Bishop Earl Boyea wants the task force to get a better understanding of the needs of racial and ethnic minorities in local Catholic schools.
“I view this as a much broader situation than just one little event. It’s the whole diocese. And I think that’s really important to face the whole diocese,” said Bishop Boyea.
But the parents of students punished for taking a knee say they still are waiting for an apology for the way their children were treated.
“Without proper repentance, we can’t get over. We can’t get better. It goes directly against their preaching,” said parent Michael Lynn.
Bishop Boyea has apologized for the players feeling hurt by the school’s reaction. The task force is expected to deliver its findings to the bishop this fall.
