January 7, 2021
Dear Students:
I thought it important to reach out to all of you after yesterday’s disturbing events in our nation’s Capitol.
Democracy is a living, breathing, and sometimes messy form of government that requires constant attention and care by American citizens and our nation’s leaders; it’s defined by the collective voices, vision, and votes of all Americans. It’s rarely perfect except in its belief of governing based on the will and good intentions of the people, by the people, for the people.
What we’ve witnessed is not democracy but unacceptable violence, stoked by the few who believe they represent the many. Sedition is not the answer. Strong-armed tactics are not the answer.
So, what is the answer?
Good will, for one. Being a thoughtful, informed citizen. And as diverse members of an institution of higher learning, we all have a responsibility to be better than this. Stronger than this. Smarter than this. It’s who we are, and why I’m so proud to be your President.
We must lead and carry ourselves through these coming weeks with positive words and actions. Take time this week to do a random act of kindness for a friend, loved one, coworker, fellow student, or a neighbor. We will all be stronger because of it.
Remember that your deeds and words matter. Wanting better lives for all Americans matters. To that end, I leave you with the words of Abraham Lincoln:
“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
Stay PTC strong. Be well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith
