Interim Chancellor Schultz comments on events in nation’s capital

Dear UAA Community,

Watching, listening to and reading about the violent events that occurred in Washington, D.C. yesterday is upsetting and unsettling. The disregard for order in our sacred democracy and the violence that ensued as armed rioters interrupted Congress in their attempts to certify the results of the U.S. presidency is a harrowing moment in our country's history.

Furthermore, yesterday's events remind us of the systemic racism and disparate treatment of individuals that exist in our communities and the power of privilege in this country. It is most regrettable that four individuals lost their lives in the melee in the Capitol yesterday, and I know you join me in heavy-heartedness about the senseless loss of life.

At UAA we espouse values of equity, inclusion and access and we hold these dear. Freedom of speech is fundamental in higher education and will be upheld on our campuses; however, yesterday's events in D.C. remind us all of the companion mandates for civility, meaningful engagement and peaceful protest.

Yesterday's violence in our nation's capital is a reminder of why higher education and the work we do at UAA is so important to our future. Discovery, inquiry and civil discourse are the pillars upon which our university stands. We must work to maintain those pillars and condemn violence at every turn.

Sincerely,
Bruce Schultz
UAA Interim Chancellor

January Archive