Dean Alexander’s Statement on Events at the U.S. Capitol

Following the events on January 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol, Dean Mark Alexander sent the following message to current students, faculty and staff. Additionally, Dean Alexander made a joint statement with law school deans from around the country.

Dear Villanova Law Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Today, we have witnessed an unacceptable assault on our nation’s democracy.  This attack took place on the hallowed grounds of the United States Capitol, just five blocks away from my childhood home.  I will admit, I am shaken.  Violent insurrection at our nation’s Capitol is unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally. 

We are a nation dedicated to free and fair elections.  After our November elections, all legal avenues for challenges were open, and the court system worked.  There was no finding of widespread fraud or election irregularities.  The results were confirmed. 

Today, the Congress met to carry out the constitutionally-mandated next step in what has always been a peaceful transfer of power.  Today’s violence crossed all lines of appropriate, constitutionally-protected behavior.  We should all condemn this behavior, regardless of political views.  U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Brennan wrote, we have “a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open.”  Debate and discourse are our norms, and physical intimidation run counter to all we are as a nation.

As a community committed to legal education, we must stand up for the rule of law and against these actions.  As a nation, striving every day to form a more perfect union, let us be bound by what unites us and reject the violence that has marred the process. 

We will continue this conversation, including with a pop-up on Tuesday at noon.  For now, please stay safe.

Mark C. Alexander

The Arthur J. Kania Dean