After the U.S. Capitol Attack,
Increased Urgency and Expanded Hope
Dear UMBC Community,
We condemn the attack on the heart of our democracy yesterday. In America, votes, not violence, must determine who will govern. While many expected the 2020 national election would test the strength of our democracy, few of us were prepared for the horrifying images of rioters inside the U.S. Capitol. The reactions of shock, sadness, anger, and fear sweeping through our campus community and so many others across the nation are difficult and make the powerful point that attacks on our democratic values will not be tolerated or normalized.
Our American democracy has withstood many challenges, and its resilience stands as a beacon of hope for many around the world. We are heartened that politically diverse voices across our country are unified in condemning the lawless acts in the U.S. Capitol. We are also encouraged that record numbers of Americans participated in the election and that the vote has now been certified in accordance with the Constitution of the United States. The voice of the people has been heard, and the expected peaceful transition of power on January 20 will ensure continued stability of our democratic process.
We share the concerns expressed by University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman and agree that universities—particularly public universities—have an even more vital role to play in educating and developing engaged citizens.
We approach the spring semester with both increased urgency and expanded hope. In this time of divided politics, the thoughts, words, and actions of the UMBC community continue to inspire us. The campus’s commitment to inclusive excellence and shared governance builds individual and collective capacity for listening to and learning from diverse perspectives—skills that are essential to addressing the disparities and differences our country has avoided for too long.
The Center for Democracy and Civic Life will sponsor several virtual gatherings in the coming weeks that will give community members opportunities to reflect on current events and discuss the issues facing our country. More information is available here. Under different circumstances, many students would seek support and community in campus identity-based lounges and centers, such as the Pride, Interfaith, and Mosaic Centers. While these spaces remain closed due to COVID-19 precautions, the Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) staff is available to connect, listen, and offer support. Please reach them at i3b@umbc.edu.
Finally, we encourage all to bring compassion and flexibility to interactions with our students and colleagues, understanding that each of us may be responding to events through the lens of our individual experiences. Students in need of emotional support can contact the Counseling Center at (410) 455-2472 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., or the after-hours support line at (410) 455-3230. Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program.
President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Mehrshad Devin, President, Student Government Association
Samantha Fries, Vice President, Graduate Student Association
Bobby Lubaszewski, President, Professional Staff Senate
Orianne Smith, President, Faculty Senate
Melody Wright, President, Non-Exempt Staff Senate
We condemn the attack on the heart of our democracy yesterday. In America, votes, not violence, must determine who will govern. While many expected the 2020 national election would test the strength of our democracy, few of us were prepared for the horrifying images of rioters inside the U.S. Capitol. The reactions of shock, sadness, anger, and fear sweeping through our campus community and so many others across the nation are difficult and make the powerful point that attacks on our democratic values will not be tolerated or normalized.
Our American democracy has withstood many challenges, and its resilience stands as a beacon of hope for many around the world. We are heartened that politically diverse voices across our country are unified in condemning the lawless acts in the U.S. Capitol. We are also encouraged that record numbers of Americans participated in the election and that the vote has now been certified in accordance with the Constitution of the United States. The voice of the people has been heard, and the expected peaceful transition of power on January 20 will ensure continued stability of our democratic process.
We share the concerns expressed by University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman and agree that universities—particularly public universities—have an even more vital role to play in educating and developing engaged citizens.
We approach the spring semester with both increased urgency and expanded hope. In this time of divided politics, the thoughts, words, and actions of the UMBC community continue to inspire us. The campus’s commitment to inclusive excellence and shared governance builds individual and collective capacity for listening to and learning from diverse perspectives—skills that are essential to addressing the disparities and differences our country has avoided for too long.
The Center for Democracy and Civic Life will sponsor several virtual gatherings in the coming weeks that will give community members opportunities to reflect on current events and discuss the issues facing our country. More information is available here. Under different circumstances, many students would seek support and community in campus identity-based lounges and centers, such as the Pride, Interfaith, and Mosaic Centers. While these spaces remain closed due to COVID-19 precautions, the Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) staff is available to connect, listen, and offer support. Please reach them at i3b@umbc.edu.
Finally, we encourage all to bring compassion and flexibility to interactions with our students and colleagues, understanding that each of us may be responding to events through the lens of our individual experiences. Students in need of emotional support can contact the Counseling Center at (410) 455-2472 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., or the after-hours support line at (410) 455-3230. Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program.
President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous
Mehrshad Devin, President, Student Government Association
Samantha Fries, Vice President, Graduate Student Association
Bobby Lubaszewski, President, Professional Staff Senate
Orianne Smith, President, Faculty Senate
Melody Wright, President, Non-Exempt Staff Senate
Posted: January 7, 2021, 2:47 PM