Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,
It has been over a year since I became the 19th president of the George Washington University, a role I cherish because of who we are, what we stand for, and where we aspire to go. For much of this time, our community has been wrestling with the profound pain, anguish, and trauma stemming from the events of last October. These experiences have touched us all individually in ways visible and unseen and have challenged us as a community. I have witnessed firsthand the personal struggles and the emotional toll this period has taken on so many in our GW family.
As I reflect on this time, I want to share some thoughts about what I've learned, how we can remain connected as a community, and the values I believe will help our university continue moving forward.
First, everyone deserves the opportunity to mourn and commemorate loved ones. It is important to remember that pain and conviction are not confined to any one group. No one has a monopoly on suffering, and no one should use their grief as an excuse to inflict pain on others. Let us keep these ideas in mind as we honor those who have been lost and do our part to shrink the vicious circle of suffering that otherwise knows no end.
Second, GW remains steadfast in its commitment to freedom of expression. Our academic community thrives on a range of diverse perspectives and opinions. This freedom also comes with a profound responsibility. Everyone who elects to join the GW community has an obligation to use their voice thoughtfully and purposefully, without rhetoric, action, or imagery that promotes hate or dehumanizes any individual or group.
Third, I hope we can use this new academic year to recommit to caring for one another and nurturing a shared community. Debate and disagreement over events in the Middle East, US foreign and domestic policy, and GW's principles and practices will, and should, persist. Our university will always exemplify the ideals of free inquiry and dialogue and pursue knowledge and truth. Passionate and principled argument is vital to GW’s mission and is essential to social and intellectual growth. At the same time, we can and should strive to see and acknowledge each other's pain. This, too, is a vital part of our community. I ask that you extend grace and space to those around you, especially those with whom you may vehemently disagree, and recognize that each person's journey through this difficult time will be unique.
The last year has taught us all, including the entire GW leadership team and me, important lessons about the complexities of holding together a community as diverse as GW's. As we learn and improve, inclusion must continue to be a bedrock of our community. We will all need to do more to listen, engage, and understand one another's viewpoints and to do so in safe, respectful, and peaceful ways.
As we work our way through a season marked by the remembrance of last October, a consequential national election, and the everyday stresses associated with university life, I encourage you to utilize the support resources available to our community. GW's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) continues to offer individual and group therapy options and has created a "Community Comfort Zone: Post-Crisis Support Space" to provide support and psychological first aid to students. The CARE Team also supports students on a wide range of topics. You can help connect students with the resources they may need by submitting a CARE referral. TimelyCare provides GW students 24/7 access to virtual counseling, psychiatric, and medical care from anywhere in the United States at no cost. Students can access TimelyCare by visiting GW's TimelyCare portal or downloading the TimelyCare app on an iPhone or Android. Faculty and staff may contact Human Resource Management and Development and the Employee Assistance Program.
I’d like to close with a note of hope. Our strengths lie in our diversity, empathy, engagement, and shared commitment to learning and growth. The George Washington University is dedicated to fostering an environment where all experiences are valued, points of view are respected, and members of our community are supported. I believe that if we move forward with courage, wisdom, and a renewed commitment to our shared values of understanding, respect, and mutual support, we will not only build a stronger community but contribute to a greater world.
Sincerely,
Ellen M. Granberg
President