[Orgvpdue] Yesterday's Event at the US Capitol

[Vpdue]

Dear Undergraduate Education,

Yesterday, I saw unprecedented violence and an unprecedented lack of response to that violence as I watched the news regarding the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol. In the Chancellor’s social media response yesterday, Chancellor Wilcox stated “On behalf of the UC Riverside community I condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific mob attack – which is tantamount to terrorism – on the U.S. Capitol earlier today. The attacks were a grotesque assault on the values of this nation. Our country has experienced dark moments before and has persevered, and we will again.”

Regardless of political affiliation, watching or hearing about the events yesterday may shake the fundamental need that we have as individuals regarding safety and normalcy. If we add this to an already shaky and tumultuous time regarding the pandemic and BLM movement, this event or a combination thereof may make some folks feel uneasy. Many of us are still processing these events, including yesterday’s violence and its meaning. I am not speaking from a political capacity but from compassion as we witnessed an attempt to destroy democracy and a perpetual ignoring of racial justice.

I encourage you to extend special grace to yourselves and others. I am sure that our students are processing this as well and may need us. Please practice self-care where and when you can. If you need to take a break, please do so but keep your supervisor in the loop. If you believe that we need a mechanism to help unpack what is happening, please let me know. I am open to talking about this at our org meeting next week if that is helpful as well. We are also partnering with Student Affairs to offer talking circles for students/staff regarding COVID. The first one will start next week (1/12 at 2pm). A link will be sent out shortly with those details.

Please be kind to yourself and others,

Jennifer


Jennifer Brown, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education
Professor in Public Policy
1100 Hinderaker Hall
Tel: 951-827-7942
Fax: 951-827-7745
VPDUE at ucr.edu<mailto:VPDUE at ucr.edu>
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