Violence at the U.S. Capitol
We can and must commit to a better way forward.”
Dear members of the Northwestern community,
I watched in horror and dismay as rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol this afternoon, disrupting Congress as it worked to certify the votes of Americans in the presidential election. I condemn, in the strongest terms, these violent rioters who put many lives in danger — and threatened our democracy.
Northwestern affirms the sanctity of our country’s 244-year-old democratic institutions and processes, especially the peaceful transition of power, the rule of law and adherence to the results of a free and fair election. I call on our nation’s elected leaders to step up at this most precarious moment and join us in defending the basic tenets of our Constitution.
As difficult as 2020 was for our country and our society, in a few short days, 2021 has posed even more challenges. I recognize that our students will begin Winter Quarter under immense pressure created from the election, the pandemic and ongoing racial justice challenges. I encourage any student who would like additional support to contact Counseling and Psychological Services. Faculty and staff can utilize resources through the Employee Assistance Program.
I echo the words of U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, who said in a statement earlier today: “It is my sincere hope that we can move past this election together. We do not have to relinquish our core policy or ideological beliefs, but we must put aside our differences and remember that the nation itself will only survive if the people continue to have faith in its institutions.”
We can and must commit to a better way forward. May we work together with resilience and determination in the days ahead.