A Statement Regarding the Events at the US Capitol

A Statement from Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD
Wednesday, January 6, 2021, was a day that this country and the world will not soon forget. It came six days into a new year in which we had been anticipating a new beginning—a time to begin controlling the pandemic, to end a contentious national election, and to gradually restore a living environment that all of us have missed. 

On multiple levels, Wednesday’s events in and around the US Capitol have been difficult to process. I have found myself vacillating between anger, disbelief and frustration with some of our leaders, with the manipulation of facts and with the blatant choice of self over the common good. Villanova University and all higher education institutions have a responsibility to ensure that our democracy is protected and strengthened for the benefit of all citizens and those who seek acceptance. Villanova University struggles and strives to embody truth. As a community, let us protect truth and be united in that pursuit. Let us pledge respect for one another’s differences, and let us persevere in developing a community of equity, inclusion and acceptance.

Villanova’s mission, Veritas, Unitas, Caritas, is fundamental in educating and creating citizens who are dedicated to advancing the common good, not dismantling it. In this new year and as we approach a new semester, let us move forward—dedicated anew to the values that define us as a community. And let us pray that those values guide us in the days, weeks, months and years to come.