A Message from Ohio University President Robert Glidden to Campus Community
Members of the University Community:
We are in the midst of one of the most emotionally wrenching times in American history. During the next few weeks and months, the nation may experience additional events in which lives may be endangered. These events could include military action or additional terrorist threats. In this context, it is even more important for the university to come together as a community and maintain its commitment to making the world better for all its citizens.
Let us not lose our focus and forget the characteristics that make this a great nation and Ohio University a great and distinctive institution. In this time of crisis I ask us all to remember that we are one community, a community that places high value on respect for every individual, that celebrates its diversity, and that upholds civility as a critical characteristic of the academy. I ask your support and compassion for our international students, faculty, and staff. They are an integral and important part of our academic community and it behooves us to be supportive, even protective of them and their families, especially in this difficult time. It is crucial that we not allow a climate of blame and threat to develop in our community that targets individuals of different color, religion, or nationality. To do so, not only threatens the well being of the individuals who are part of our community, but it also undermines those values of compassion, justice, and fairness that are the foundation of our society and our university.
Universities and all that we do will be even more important to our society in the months and years ahead. Through discovery, research, sharing of knowledge and the understanding that results from being exposed to individuals of different backgrounds and views, we carry the torch for the present and the future. Let us not relinquish our role or fall short of our challenge.
Robert Glidden, President
