Diocese responds to Sacred Heart protesters

The Diocese of Lafayette released a letter on Thursday, May 14, stating a “Blue Ribbon Committee of disinterested individuals,” will look into demands that Sacred Heart Principal Diane Fontenot be removed, but organizers of the protests that have been occurring in front of the school said that isn’t going to satisfy them.
According to the diocese’s letter, the committee will make recommendations to Father Jason Vidrine at the school, and that it is Bishop Michael Jarrell’s “hope that this could be accomplished by June 30th.”
“We want her gone now,” spokesperson Jeffery Sylvester said Friday morning, shortly after another protest ended in front of the school.
People involved in the protest said they are concerned about who will be on the proposed committee and how neutral those committee members will be.
Sylvester repeated the assertion that he made when the protests began early this month that the diocese does not understand the issue the protesters are concerned about. He said they do not want to negotiate and no committee is needed.
The protesters were planning to meet sometime next week at the Northside Civic Center, Sylvester said. He said one of the issues they will consider is taking legal action.
The diocese’s statement acknowledges that parents and alumni are “demanding her removal,” but asserts “she does enjoy a significant measure of support,” including that of the current and past pastors there. The letter states the superintendent of Catholic schools at the diocese supports Principal Fontenot, and that the bishop has “received numerous positive letters from parents, faculty and alumni.” The letter also states, “Many of the current faculty members understand her vision for excellence and support her leadership.”
The following is the letter Bishop Michael Jarrell of the Diocese of Lafayette sent out in its entirety:
To: Community of Sacred Heart School
Over the past few years, I have received many complaints concerning the operation of Sacred Heart School. Having served as Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, I am aware of the importance of the school to the community of Ville Platte and the surrounding area. For over 80 years, families have entrusted their children to the school. They have loved the school; they have contributed time, talent and treasure to assure its effectiveness, its growth and its vitality.
Yet, as in any school that I know of, there have always been challenges and disagreements. In particular, the position of principal has been the focus of many such disagreements. It is not an easy role to fulfill and it is impossible to please everyone.
While some parents and alumni are complaining about the current principal, Mrs. Diane Fontenot, and even demanding her removal, she does enjoy a significant measure of support. The last two pastors, Father Gene Tremie and Father Joshua Guillory, as well as the current pastor, Father Jason Vidrine, all speak well of her and support her. The Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools supports her. I have received numerous positive letters from parents, faculty and alumni. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in its AdvancED external evaluation in January 2014, gave the school a favorable rating. “The major focus of the school has been to strengthen the religious formation of the students and to provide quality academic education in the context of a Christian milieu...All stakeholder groups affirmed the Catholic culture that exists on the campus...Roman Catholic values permeate the campus.” Many of the current faculty members understand her vision for excellence and support her leadership.
Since the community is divided, I now judge that it is in need of outside assistance in resolving its differences.
Most of the dissent which has come to my attention has been passionate but respectful. I must, however, condemn the two acts of vandalism that have come to my attention - the breaking of vehicle windows and the writing of graffiti, especially vulgarities, are not acceptable and must be condemned by everyone. Similarly, offensive or hurtful words communicated over social media are not only uncharitable but also erode the legitimacy to one’s opinion.
After much thought, prayer and consultation, Father Vidrine and I are putting in motion the following action plan:
1. A Blue Ribbon Committee of disinterested individuals will be formed to conduct an inquiry; they will hear from all interested parties. The committee will make recommendations to Father Vidrine. It is my hope that this could be accomplished by June 30th. The most important findings of the committee will be made public.
2. Principal Diane Fontenot will cooperate fully with the committee and is willing to comply with the recommendations of the committee provided they are approved by the pastor and me.
3. The committee will also address several contentious issues that have arisen over the years:
a. The role and function of the school advisory council
b. The role and function of the Sacred Heart Athletic Booster Club
c. The role and function of the Sacred Heart School Foundation

It is necessary that all policies and practices of the Diocese of Lafayette must be followed in every detail. In the meantime, I encourage patience and a peaceful spirit among all in the community. The Scriptures remind us that charity is the outward sing of faith. In fact, the depth of faith is measured by our ability to love even in the face of disagreement.
It has been said that in every crisis is an opportunity. SHS has faced many crises in the past. The school community has always used the occasion to move forward in a positive way. In the same way, it will do so again. I pray that the Lord may prosper the work of our hands.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael Jarrell
Bishop of Lafayette