On the Violence in Our Nation's Capital

Dear Western Community,

No words can do justice to the profoundly disturbing political violence that unfolded yesterday in the heart of our nation’s capital.  The appalling images of extremists defacing the inner sanctum of our democracy, and of lawmakers being rushed by Capitol police to safe rooms have shocked the world.  January 6, 2021 will be remembered as one of the darkest days in our history.  Four people needlessly lost their lives, and the internationally admired hallmarks of American democracy, including the peaceful transition of power, were brutally challenged. 

Today at 4 p.m., the Counseling Center and Bias Response Team will host a Zoom Decompression Space, and tomorrow from 12-2 p.m. a Community Care Space will be hosted by the Ethnic Student Center and the Counseling Center.  Please see https://counseling.wwu.edu/ for more details. 

It is our responsibility as educators, students, and active participants in a democracy to do our part in healing the deep divisions in our country.  Newly elected Georgia Senator the Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock summed it up best yesterday by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”  

In an atmosphere of increasing negative polarization and geographic separation, we can no longer take our nation for granted.  We must intentionally care for the state of our union.  I hope you will join me in redoubling your efforts to put partisan differences aside and find the common humanity that we all share.  Every American--regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, religion or sexual orientation--can and should have a safe home in this land.

In peace and hope,

Sabah Randhawa

President