Events seek to bring compassion, understanding to global pain

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The campus community will have a chance to reflect on the devastating attacks that have recently hit cities around the world through a pair of events announced Friday in an all-campus message.

The full text of the message follows:

Dear campus community,

The past few weeks have seen monumental hurt across the world. Horrific attacks in Paris, Beirut, Baghdad, and Mali have left many of us with strong emotional and visceral reactions. It’s vital that we resist efforts to let fear or xenophobia color our collective response. Instead, we must be united in expressing our commitment to respect, compassion, and cross-cultural understanding.

To foster that understanding, the University of Oregon is holding two events to allow the campus and community to respond and reflect on these acts of violence.

  • A Unity Vigil will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the EMU Ballroom. The event will focus on dialogue about love, respect and community, featuring multiple cultural, religious and philosophical perspectives. Food will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:00 p.m. You may RSVP here. 
  • “Global Perspectives on the November 13 Terrorist Attacks on Paris: A Panel Discussion” will provide an academic forum for sharing of information and informed reflection in response to the recent terror events. It will take place from noon – 2 p.m. on December 3 in the EMU ballroom. Panelists include Cory Browning, Angela Joya, Matthias Matthijs, Fabienne Moore, Anita Weiss and Sebastián Urioste. For more information, please contact Nathalie Hester, who is organizing the panel event.

Our capacity to touch people in our everyday lives is more powerful than any statement. Community building is more powerful than any attack. Unity and love are more powerful than fear. This work begins on the ground. And it starts now. Please join us at one or both of these events.

Yvette M. Alex-Assensoh, VP for Equity and Inclusion
Robin Holmes, VP for Student Life
Dennis Galvan, Vice Provost for International Affairs
Lisa Freinkel, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies
Scott L. Pratt, Dean of the Graduate School