Responding to the Events of January 6, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Yesterday’s literal and figurative attacks on democracy failed to thwart the will of the voters, or the processes that have guided our republic since its earliest days. I hope you join me in condemning the shameful and violent protests waged by extremists on our houses of democracy in the nation’s Capitol as well as state houses here in Salem and across the country.

In the coming days and weeks, we will all watch as the consequences of the events of January 6 unfold. Investigations will be launched. Individuals will be called to account. And the country will move forward with a new president, new leadership in the United States Senate, and a new path forward.

It is my sincere hope that, with steadier new leadership, this nation that I have been privileged to call home my entire adult life will no longer be condemned by our own allies but instead respected once again.

The world’s challenges–pandemics, climate, racial injustice–can only be solved by working smart and working together. How we can contribute to that work is the question I am honored to ask every day as a member of the incredible community that is Lewis & Clark.

Onward, Pios.