To the SMPA Community,
As we get ready to begin a new semester and welcome everyone back, I wanted to address the shocking events that took place last week in D.C. The First Amendment protects the “right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” but the assault on the U.S. Capitol must be condemned to the fullest. There is no place for violent insurrection and law-breaking in democracy. Respecting the will of the people as expressed through democratic elections is a bedrock principle of civic life. The peaceful transfer of power is essential. Despite what we witnessed this week, our democracy is resilient. We will get through this.
To students: you have come to SMPA during an extraordinary time in the history of the United States. Now more than ever, your passion to learn and to develop analytical and practical skills in the fields of journalism and political communication is vital. The educational mission of our School is at the core of democratic life: information, dialogue, truth, facts, and critical thinking. Your work matters for the health of democracy and the welfare of our fellow citizens.
I remain hopeful that better days are ahead.
Silvio Waisbord
Director, The School of Media and Public Affairs