Speeches & Writings

This has been a tumultuous time for our WashU community. And unfortunately, we know it’s not over.

Saturday was a dark, sad day for WashU. A large group of individuals came to campus intending to disrupt, do harm, and interfere with educational activities and campus life.

January is a time for new beginnings as we turn the calendar to a fresh page for 2024, get back into the classroom for the start of the spring semester, and renew our commitment to our personal, academic, and professional goals in the new year.  This is also a time for reflection for all of us, as individuals and as a community.

Good afternoon.  I am pleased to join all of you this afternoon for WashU’s annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the essential work that he did to advance equal human dignity for every person in this country.  Thank you to the committee who planned and organized this event for putting together a thoughtful program today.

There’s no question that recent world events have tested the mettle of campus communities at colleges and universities across America.  WashU is no exception.  The terrorist attack of October 7 and the subsequent turmoil and loss of innocent lives in the aftermath have inflamed more than just the Middle East, including in close-knit communities like ours.  

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reflecting on the joys and privileges of being part of this very special Washington University community

Free expression is a cornerstone of WashU as an institution of higher learning.  We protect it fiercely.  At the same time, we must recognize that it has limits.  We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or threatening behavior.

Like all of you, I have been following the devastating events in Israel and Gaza since this weekend.  To say that this is a heart-wrenching tragedy is a gross understatement.  The violence perpetrated by Hamas against the Israeli people is beyond horrific; the terrorist acts we have been witnessing are nothing short of heinous.  The depravity and inhumanity are simply beyond comprehension.  

Welcome to a new academic year! I hope that your summers were full of adventure and renewal, with plenty of time to connect with loved ones and some quiet moments to savor, as well.

To the WashU Class of 2027… welcome home.  As we gather this evening, from wherever you have come, and whatever mixed emotions you may be feeling, I want you all to know that you belong here.