Statement from the Caldwell Dominicans

We, the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, NJ, wish to express our deep commitment to the principles of academic freedom and the open exchange of ideas that are fundamental to our educational institutions. We understand that diverse perspectives are an integral part of academic discourse, and we respect the rights of individuals to share their viewpoints, even when they may differ from our own.  

However, given Mr. Vivek Ramaswamy’s visit to the Caldwell University campus on October 16th, we feel compelled to voice our concern regarding the rhetoric he has previously employed in his public statements. Though he did not use inflammatory language yesterday, we believe that certain narratives he promotes—particularly those that endorse conspiracy theories, deny the reality of climate change, and support forms of racism—are not only harmful but also counterproductive to the values of respect, integrity, community, excellence, inclusivity, justice, and truth that we, as a community of faithful religious women, hold dear.  

The Sisters of Saint Dominic are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We stand against any ideology that seeks to divide us or undermine the urgent challenges our world faces, particularly those concerning social justice and environmental stewardship.  

In this spirit, we call upon our academic community to engage critically with all voices, including those that may provoke discomfort or disagreement, while also affirming our shared responsibility to create a space that promotes empathy, understanding, and truth. We invite dialogue that is rooted in compassion and respect and inclusion, and we urge our community to be vigilant against narratives that perpetuate harm or misinformation.  

We stand in solidarity with all individuals and communities that strive for justice, equality, and the preservation of our planet. Together, let us commit to fostering a community grounded in love and truth.  

In pursuit of truth,  
The Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, NJ