Lasallian universities and schools commit themselves to providing excellent educational programs.

It is, then, your duty to teach the children entrusted to you; this is your duty every day. They must understand what you say, so you must give them instructions adapted to their capacity, otherwise what you say would be of little use. For this purpose, you must prepare yourself and train yourself . . . for to teach, you must first know.

[Meditations, 33.3]


In Lasallian universities and schools, competent and caring faculty and staff provide excellent educational programs that are rooted in Gospel values and in the mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.

These programs, which foster the faith formation of the students, include:

1. A curriculum that challenges all students and prepares them to be Christian leaders in the 21st century.
   
2. A curriculum that is sensitive to issues of equity and social justice.
   
3. A comprehensive academic program that meets the needs of a diverse student body.
   
4. A comprehensive curriculum that is strengthened by the use of technology and varied teaching styles.
   
5. A religious education program that challenges the students to develop and deepen their relationship with God, the Church, others, and the world.
   
6. A ministry program that provides opportunities for prayer, worship and service to the community.
   
7. A retreat program that strengthens Christian values.

Lasallian universities and schools commit themselves to service of the poor through education.

You are under the obligation to instruct the children of the poor. You should, consequently, cultivate a very special tenderness for them and procure their spiritual welfare as far as you will be able, considering them as members of Jesus Christ, and his loved ones.

[Meditations 80.3]


Lasallian universities and schools are committed to serving the needs of the poor through programs that accept, welcome, and educate a diverse student population.

These programs include:

1. Educational programs that not only provide opportunities for disadvantaged students to succeed but also educate and sensitize the educational community to the needs of the economically poor.
   
2. Educational programs that promote dignity by helping students understand and counter the forces exploiting them or hindering their development.
   
3. Allocation of budgeted resources that includes a financial commitment to the poor.
   
4. Compliance with the Midwest District Chapter directive to establish a fund, where appropriate, to be used to subsidize those in financial need in order to enable those who desire a Christian education to receive it.
   
5. Financial aid programs that help sustain an economically diverse population.
   
6. Faculty, staff and student participation in projects to serve the poor, such as volunteer service to the community and support of the domestic and foreign missions.

Lasallian universities and schools commit themselves to the establishment of diverse educational communities.

The Lasallian school is to be a living community where young people, coming from different social, (ethnic, religious) and family backgrounds, educate one another by mutual understanding and respect, openness of mind in dialogue, acceptance of the uniqueness and limitations of each, growth in the spirit of service, and the practice of justice and charity.

[Declaration, 46.2]


Lasallian schools provide experiences of diversity that develop an understanding and appreciation of all people.

These experiences include:

1. An educational community that understands and welcomes all people in their diversity: gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, socio-economic background, academic ability, and creed.
   
2. An academically and economically diverse student population that reflects the school's recruitment efforts.
   
3. An educational community whose sensitivity to the diversity of others promotes acceptance, peace and love.
   
4. Structured affirmation programs that reward and celebrate the gifts and talents of all in the community.
   
5. A faculty, staff and student body who acknowledge and respect the importance of other faith traditions.
   
6. Recognition of and support for the various charisms of the members of the faculty and staff.

Programs in Lasallian schools . . . must be frequently examined to see that they correspond to real needs . . . Persons must be the center of educational systems rather than the prestige of some academic curriculum.

[Declaration 31.2]


Lasallian universities and schools, reflective of De La Salle's belief in the inherent dignity of each person as a child of God and important in his or her own right, believe that all persons in the school community are to be treated equitably.

This belief is evidenced by:

1. Concern and respect concretely shown to all.
   
2. A discipline program or judicial process which fosters the dignity of each student.
   
3. Faculty and staff compensation that is just and competitive, given the financial resources of the institution.
   
4. Fair distribution of resources for all extra-curricular activities offered by the school as well as for team sports and approved student organizations at the university and school.
   
5. Welcoming each person's voice in the development of policies, procedures and in the evaluation of all aspects of the educational community.
   
6. Developing and implementing strategies and methods for creating and affirming inclusiveness in the school community.