FATHER THEODORE HESBURGH:
Bridging Communication Barriers for Civil Rights
Father Theodore Hesburgh, CSC (Notre Dame Archives)
“We share the same divine life, that of Christ, our Head . . . if we should despise another, we despise Christ.”
—Father Hesburgh, in Patterns for Educational Growth
The 1950s was a contentious period of racism, violence, and lack of cooperation in America. Father Theodore Hesburgh, president of the University of Notre Dame, served on the Civil Rights Commission, bridging a communication gap between opposing viewpoints resulting in 12 resolutions that became the Civil Rights Acts of 1960 and 1964. He spent the rest of his life in service to both Notre Dame and to the world by leaving a legacy of championing the dignity of all and finding common ground between foes.
Isaac Rentschler and Bailey Shidler
Senior Division
Process Paper Words: 464
Website Student Produced Words: 1,196
Media Duration: 2:47