Rededicating ourselves to democracy

To the Williams community,

Yesterday a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting the essential business of government, compromising our national security and sparking widespread fear.

Many of the nation’s leaders have responded by proclaiming “this is not who we are.” I want to agree, but the rioters were fellow Americans urged on by our president. This wasn’t an attack from outside, but a manifestation of serious problems from within our society, culture and politics.Fortunately our democratic institutions held yesterday, as they have in the face of other recent challenges. I am writing today to add my voice to the many educational and civic leaders calling for a rededication to the basic principles of democracy. Right now our system is battered and fragile. It is up to all of us, at Williams and nationally, to protect and nurture it, and to expand its protections to all.

Maud