Mission and Inclusion

"Racism is not merely one sin among many; it is a radical evil that divides the human family and denies the new creation of a redeemed world. To struggle against it demands an equally radical transformation, in our own minds and hearts as well as in the structure of our society."

~ Excerpt from Brothers and Sisters to Us, a Pastoral Letter from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

At Austin Prep, our commitment to Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas calls us to confront injustice wherever it threatens the dignity of the human person. Inspired by the Augustinian vision of community—one rooted in truth, bound by love, and united in the restless search for justice—we recognize that true belonging requires more than inclusion; it demands transformation.

The diversity of the human person is a reflection of the breadth of God’s creation, and our students, drawn from many backgrounds, enrich the collective wisdom of our school. But inclusion is not simply about presence—it is about participation, about ensuring that every member of our community feels deeply valued and genuinely heard. Rooted in our faith, we strive to remove barriers that prevent individuals from fully sharing their gifts, fostering a culture where each person is honored as an image-bearer of God.

The work of justice is not peripheral to our mission; it is central to the education of the heart and mind. We embrace the challenge set forth by the Bishops because we believe that our students are called to be architects of a more just and loving world.

People, Programs, and Promise

In the summer of 2020, amidst a moment of national reckoning on race and justice, Cardinal Seán O’Malley reminded us that "Catholics are called to uphold and defend the truth that Black Lives Matter." At Austin Prep, our commitment to Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas compels us to create a learning community that reflects the full breadth of the human family. Rooted in the Augustinian tradition, we recognize, as St. Augustine wrote in Confessions, that we are bound together as members of one family, and that honoring the dignity of every human being is both a moral and spiritual imperative.

Our work is not simply about inclusion—it is about formation. We seek to cultivate a community where every individual at Austin Prep is known, valued, and celebrated. This commitment extends beyond words to an expectation that all members of our school hold themselves accountable for fostering an environment of mutual respect. This includes, but is not limited to, respect for differences in race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender, culture, ability, age, learning style, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Racism, bigotry, and intolerance in any form stand in direct opposition to our values and have no place in our community.

To educate for justice is to prepare students for lives of moral and intellectual courage. As a school, we are called to be a sign of what is possible—a place where the diversity of God’s creation is not only acknowledged but embraced. We will continue to work intentionally to ensure that our Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and students reflect the complexity and richness of the world in which we live. At the same time, we acknowledge that gaps in opportunity persist in society, and we embrace our role in addressing these challenges with humility, learning from one another and committing to action that reflects our highest aspirations.

All people are made in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, every member of the Austin Prep community has an inherent right to be treated with dignity and to be free from all forms of discrimination. This belief calls us to the ongoing work of personal and institutional reflection, professional development, and programming designed to deepen our understanding and eliminate bias where it exists.

While we have made meaningful strides in fostering a more just and inclusive community, our work remains unfinished. As an Augustinian school, we walk together on this journey, always learning from the experiences of others, always striving to align our actions with our deepest convictions. We remain committed to listening, growing, and ensuring that our school continues to be a place where truth, unity, and love guide all that we do.

We welcome you to walk this journey with us and invite you to check back as we continue to share our progress.

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