Reflection on the Events of January 6, 2021

Dear McCourt Community:

Last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol brings urgent attention to the erosion of respect for democratic institutions and the troubling state of our nation’s civic architecture.

As a community of students, faculty and staff dedicated to improving public policy and deepening our capacity for collective action in support of the common good, tackling the extraordinary challenges we face– from the pandemic, to climate change, to social and economic inequality– is at the heart of our work.

This is a moment to ask ourselves what we can do, as individuals and as a community, to make this a turning point, rather than just another, particularly egregious, example of civic erosion. This work requires strengthening civic institutions, redoubling our efforts to understand the problems we face, and design and implement inclusive solutions that advance the greater good.

More than ever, I am grateful to be part of a community dedicated to fortifying our civic architecture– to training future leaders, developing solutions, and having a positive impact. With the events of this past year in mind, I look forward to the work ahead with an even greater sense of purpose and urgency.

You have my best wishes as you plan for the start of the spring semester.

Dean Maria