Why Did We Choose Micah 6:8?
Micah 6:8 is a verse commonly cited to compel people to act in times of injustice: “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” This is why Westmont chose this verse as the name of our site that references our work of justice, reconciliation and diversity. Our objective? Ongoing growth as we seek to become a more reconciling community.
These pages on Westmont’s Micah 6:8 site describe our work around justice, reconciliation, and diversity. Each section carries information that is important to us as an institution. Yet our work is unfinished. We continue to strive to be a more reconciling community, to better understand how we could do better, to listen to each other and the Lord, and to be responsive in our thoughts, words, and actions. May He give us strength to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
"Each generation must find its way to bring salt and light to the world..."
Westmont College has long had a deep commitment to diversity and global engagement. Mrs Ruth Kerr had a vision for a college that would educate the whole person, transforming students for a lifetime of service in a variety of careers worldwide, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and heart to meet the great and pressing needs of our time. In 1945 Westmont received a negative decision for re-zoning in Altadena, CA in part because the college would attract students of all classes, races and creeds. The all white suburb community outside of Pasadena was not in favor of diverse students coming into their community. As a result, Mrs. Kerr and college officials sought for another property and purchased Rancho El Tejado, the college’s current property in Montecito. Students from all over the country and the world come to study at Westmont in the beautiful San Ynez Mountains, making it their college home.
Westmont’s commitments include diversification of our student body, faculty and staff; justice as demonstrated by righteousness and equity in our programs and community, becoming a more reconciling and unified community.
On this site we have placed information and links to our intercultural and global commitments, descriptions of programs, initiatives, activities and our aspirations for justice, reconciliation and diversity throughout the college. This “Micah site” is a work in progress, constantly evolving to include updated information and stronger articulation of our experiences and our pursuit of intercultural engagement.
