Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Violence at the U.S. Capitol

Baltimore, Md. (Jan. 6, 2021) – I’m disturbed, angry, and deeply saddened by the violence taking place tonight at the U.S. Capitol. It’s a despicable assault on our democracy, on our dedication to the peaceful transfer of power, and on our Constitution. I pray for all those now trying to restore order.

At the same time, I believe that we can, as a nation, move forward. And I believe this because I see in the students of the University System of Maryland the country’s next generation of leaders committed to our democracy—what George Washington called America’s “great experiment”—and to making a more perfect union, not through violence but through committed civic action.

U.S. colleges and universities—especially public universities—have a responsibility to educate students for ethical citizenship. We cannot look at what’s taking place tonight and feel anything but a sense of urgency around fulfilling this most basic contract.

Democracy requires constant tending, constant vigilance, and constant defense. I thank all those within the USM who will use this heartbreaking moment to teach not only our founding norms and values but how to strengthen them, and who will take up the hard work of protecting—and perfecting—American democracy.
 

Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu