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Statement from President and Chancellors on the Breach of the U.S. Capitol

January 6, 2021

To the Rutgers Community:

These are challenging times. Our nation is deep in the midst of a global pandemic that has cost more than 350,000 lives in the U.S., we are wrestling with the need for racial reconciliation that is hundreds of years overdue, and today the right of our democracy to function has been threatened by acts of violence that are as inappropriate as they are unacceptable and unpatriotic.

This is troubling no matter what your political views, and no matter on which side of the political aisle you find yourself. “Storming the barricades” to disrupt the orderly transfer of power -- a bedrock principle that defines the nearly 250 years of our nation’s history – is anathema.

At a moment when it seems that so many fundamental values are being challenged, we wanted to take a moment to remind and reassure the members of our community of the values we hold dear: That we are a diverse community and a resilient community. That we are a community where we can, and must, talk about our differences in respectful and responsible tones. That we are a beloved community.

We want to urge everyone to remember and embrace these values. We also want to remind the members of the community that while we may not all be on our campuses, that there are counselling and other resources available through each campus (see below) to help guide anyone who would like confidential help in navigating these troubling times.

Sincerely,
 
Jonathan Holloway, President
Nancy Cantor, Chancellor, Rutgers University–Newark
Margaret Marsh, Interim Chancellor, Rutgers University–Camden
Christopher Molloy, Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Brian Strom, Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences

Counseling and Wellness Services for Students

Counseling and Wellness Services for Faculty and Staff