AN OPEN LETTER TO THE Ateneo de Manila University …
My son is a Homegrown Atenean … from prep and currently a senior in your university. I have witnessed how you, through your curriculum, teachers, and school extra curriculars, actively inculcate in your students the values of truth, justice, and honor. As a Catholic institution, the paramount principles imbedded into young minds should be that of generosity, humility, and love … the very traits Christ taught through his actions.
I am an Ateneo parent who has been vocal about my beliefs and have been "cancelled" so many times especially by your community. But this election season has revealed an even more extreme persona that seems to have taken root in your students. I have coparents reaching out to me and expressing grief and concern how their children are behaving differently and against them. One has even left home to be with her likeminded peers to heal the grief over the defeat of your candidate … Mind you these are not only coming from Uniteam parents supporters but also from Pink parents supporters as well.
The very educational institution that has professed the values of faith, hope, and love, has represented the opposite. Instead of encouraging students to seek the truth wherever it may lead, you have imposed your own version of the "truth" on them. Instead of creating an atmosphere of love, you have stoked the flames of hatred towards a perceived "enemy". Instead of preaching kindness, you choose to inspire an intolerance for others' beliefs and choices. Instead of celebrating the joy of academic discovery, you have created a culture of holier-than-thou” mindset amongst your flock isolating those who sees differently. Instead of standing up for the weak and downtrodden, you have remained quiet as your "flock" turns on those with differing views.
Your partisan stance has encouraged young impressionable minds to blindly take up your "cause" against the "enemy". History has many instances that the youth are the easiest to be molded into a terrifying mob. And it is apparent what you … along with other Catholic institutions … are building. This road will not lead to heaven.
I am blessed that my children are mentally and emotionally strong, able to withstand their peers' online harassment , derision, and bullying … and come out with joyous resolve to stand by their own decisions. My concern lies with those children who are more vulnerable than them.
NIKKO BUENDIA
A Concerned Mother
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