Policy Violence, Florida Rejects Santa Ono & Tracking Trumps Higher Ed Agenda
Plus: Stillness that Break Complicity and Students Under Surveillance
Friends! Have you read Matthew 25 lately? How about the Beatitudes? When was the last time you consistently prayed the Lord’s Prayer? I was reminded last week after our prayer meeting for those in political power that sitting in the teachings of Jesus is crucial for remaining centered amidst so much instability, uncertainty and actual danger. I hope you feel buoyed by the promises of God this week as protests are planned around the country, a war between Israel and Iran begins and families all over the country grapple with the Trump administration’s targeting of the most vulnerable. God is good, all the time and all the time — you finish it!
Here are 5 things we believe are worth your time:
SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER
Stillness that Breaks Complicity
Things around the world are intensifying in ways that are unhelpful for many communities and the temptation can be to retreat for rest, self-care or prayerful contemplation. These are good things. There is a profound truth that we must take to heart though if we follow Jesus: “If your stillness doesn’t break complicity, it’s just privilege in disguise” and “if your contemplation leaves empire unchallenged, it’s just another spa treatment for the ego.” This piece by Episcopal Priest Adam Bucko and one snippet from the comment section is setting my path for entering into the summer. What will be the fruit of my rest and time away? What will be the result of the time and space for reorientation toward what is most sacred and true? The coming of Jesus to me, just like the woman at the well, is not just about “me” or “her”. It’s about our households, our towns, and beyond. I look forward to hearing what you think of this piece as well! Check it out!
STATISTICS (...and a sermon)
In the Black American Christian tradition in the United States, there is no separation between a personal relationship with God and the desperate need for the Kingdom of God to come in full to every person, place and thing in all of Creation. This sermon by Rev. Dr. William Barber, the leader of the Poor People’s Campaign, founder of Repairers of the Breach, and professor of Public Policy at Yale University weaves together sound teaching, our political moment, and a cohesive response to policy violence – where the laws we make harm the most vulnerable people. This sermon is worth your time if you desire to make clear connections between the budgets that get passed in Washington and the poorest families across the country.
STORIES
At the intersection of faith, politics and higher education sits Dr. Santa Ono. Once a champion of DEI as the President of the University of Michigan, he noted his ideological evolution and left abruptly to take the top job at the University of Florida. Surprisingly, his unanimous selection as president was voted down by those in charge in the sunshine state because he lacked a track record that demonstrated his commitment to Trump’s agenda. More than a story about Santa Ono, this story highlights the tension the colleges and universities must navigate. In a rapidly changing political landscape, battle lines are being drawn, fox holes being dug and people are choosing sides. My prayer is that in all of this wrangling for power, students are taken care of and communities commit to the flourishing of all people, not just an agreeable few.
At the University of Michigan, it was discovered that they used undercover officers to surveil pro-Palestinian student protesters. They followed students on and off campus, recorded their conversations, and performed acts of intimidation including threats and loud profanity. After very disturbing behavior by one of its operatives on campus that was reported by the Guardian, CBS confirms that the university then canceled the contract with the security firm they had to admit that they hired. This surveillance coincides with the timeline of police raids on five University of Michigan homes where students lived. I pray that all students, including those on all sides US foreign policy goals are able to learn, grow and speak their minds respectfully on campus without fear of retribution or punishment.
Tracking Trump’s Higher Ed Agenda
With things moving so quickly, roundups and trackers are helpful; and this one from the Chronicle of Higher Education feels solid. Articles and updates are divided into four categories: Civil Rights, Immigration, Policy, and Research. Top stories are front and center and the information is organized by popularity and topic in an easy to read way. I learned that Mahmoud Khalil’s judge ordered he be released, the NIH reversed on its reversal of DEI policies, and Harvard is still in Trump’s crosshairs. Check it out, stay informed and pray for those impacted and involved in what you read.
If you are looking for prayers to ground you, these are the three prayers I’ve been praying for over a decade – the Lord’s Prayer, the Prayer of St. Francis, and the Franciscan Benediction. And remember: wherever you are, know that you are made in the image of God. Whoever you see today - know that they are too. All people are made in His image and the Gospel of Christ is Good News to all of creation. May you receive it as such and bear witness to it with our individual and collective belovedness in mind. Therein lies the heart of reconciliation.
Let me know what you think! I look forward to the conversation and comments because our screens make us into lonely consumers but God made us to be a vibrant community.
In Christ and for His Glory,
jonathan
PS. PS. Pre-order your copy of “Beauty and Resistance: Spiritual Rhythms for Formation and Repair” to be released on November 11, 2025.
