In fall 2020, The Catholic University of America took a major step forward toward fulfilling its commitment to embrace and reflect the racial and ethnic diversity that enriches our Church, city, and nation.
Former president John Garvey announced the creation of the Sister Thea Bowman Committee, named for an alumna of the University who today is on the path toward recognition as a Catholic saint. During her life, Bowman provided an outspoken witness to what it meant to be Black and Catholic.
The Committee was placed under the leadership of Regina Jefferson, a professor who previously served as the dean of the University’s Columbus School of Law.
The Bowman Committee members were drawn from among students, parents, alumni, faculty, administrators, and the Archdiocese of Washington. They were “directed to study all facets of University operations and make recommendations concerning racial equality to the University leadership.”
Shortly after the launch of the Bowman Committee, five subcommittees were formed to focus the work.
Each subcommittee was tasked with examining, assessing, and making recommendations in its area of responsibility to improve the University’s efforts toward racial equality. Over the course of the academic year, the subcommittees met regularly, conducted interviews and surveys, gathered and analyzed data, considered steps taken by other universities, and developed a series of recommendations.