Mary Frances Early College of Education statement condemning domestic terror attack at the U.S. Capitol

The Mary Frances Early College of Education condemns the domestic terror attack that ensued at the U.S. Capitol. This reprehensible act reminds us that sedition, untruths, and lawlessness are a threat to democracy. The fact that such violence was permissible further exposes an unjust system granting power and privileges to domestic terrorists who feel protected and entitled to their destructive actions. Yet, we know this same system harms and kills Black and Brown bodies. This hypocrisy is unacceptable. We must tell the truth about our country’s history and current condition to recover from this breach of democracy and dismantle systems upholding inequities. As a College, we can use this moment to critically transform the ways we teach, learn, research, and serve to reflect democratic values and equity. Our response will shape the future of our country.

Undoubtedly, this attack is traumatizing and triggering for many of you. We encourage doing what is necessary to take care of yourself. We offer the following resources to aid in your reflection, healing, and conversations with family, students, and colleagues:

• American Psychological Association parent resources
• Coping with a disaster or traumatic event
• How to talk with children about difficult news
• Resources for teachers on the days after the attack on the U.S. Capitol
• Responding to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol
• Teaching in the wake of a traumatic news event