By Jared Fields, Editor in Chief

In Jesus’ name we pray- Amen.

I sat in Chapel on Monday morning after the prayer, shocked at the news just announced to the ACU community gathered in Moody Coliseum. Dr. Jeff Arrington stood on stage and told the audience a student had died Sunday night.

Later in the day, Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson sent an e-mail that said Zach Swan had taken his own life, and Student Life would have a prayer service Monday night.

While the support so far shown to Zach, his family and friends shows the compassion in the university, I can’t help but wonder where this outpouring of prayer was three weeks ago when another student faced charges of assault.

The sad and surprising news of a fellow student taking their life is difficult to handle. As editor of the Optimist, I can somewhat relate to the decisions the ACU administrators made in addressing the situation.

As a student, the news serves as a wake-up call for us to nurture the relationships we have and never take them for granted.

Either way, many of us had a lot to think about the rest of the day.

The university has dealt with difficult news regarding students before.

Two years ago, Brandon Woodruff was charged with allegedly killing his parents, and the university never shied away from those developments.

In the last two years, three students have died in vehicle accidents. In each case, ACU spread the news of each event in Chapel.

News isn’t much darker than when it deals with death and legal troubles. One would think ACU might be open to discussing and praying for people in any situation.

However, three weeks ago ACU encountered another difficult situation involving Daniel Jarrett II.

Except no one offered prayers or condolences in Chapel. No one held a prayer vigil and no e-mail came from the university addressing any questions or concerns. Still, the university has remained silent about the situation where Jarrett faces charges of assault.

His family and friends need support.

So do others involved.

But the continued silence has spoken volumes already.

Administrators said they discuss every situation and that the three weeks of silence since the charges came after long debates and thoughtful decisions.

Even if the silence about Jarrett is intentional and for the best, some want a reason the topic has been kept so quiet.

The university doesn’t need to disclose all – or any – details of what happened. But mentioning a name and a prayer request would speak louder than the silence so far.

Regardless of the situational differences, no one is above or below the need for community support and prayer if ACU prides itself on community.

The situations are different. The responses should not be.

Can I get an Amen?