Statement from University Writing Program Faculty on current political rhetoric


September 14, 2022

Message from University Writing Program Faculty
From: George Washington University’s University Writing Program Faculty
To: George Washington University Students and Community
Date: November 14th, 2016

Since the US presidential election, members of the George Washington University campus community have reported they feel uneasy and unsafe in the wake of campaign rhetoric that targeted so many populations, including undocumented immigrants, Muslims, Jews, veterans, young people protected by DACA, people of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQIA people, and survivors of sexual assault.

The media is reporting a significant number of apparent hate crimes at college campuses, secondary schools, places of worship, and other public locations. We have heard from students of similar incidents on the GW campus. Our community safety is of paramount importance to us.

George Washington University's Writing Program affirms its commitment to GW's principles as articulated by GW's President Knapp, "to continue to respect our differences, maintain civility and celebrate our diversity," both in and out of the classroom.

In that spirit, we are sharing and standing with the statement from Vice Provost Caroline Laguerre-Brown, of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement

 

This statement includes information about resources for students and members of the GW community. All those who witness threats and violence on the GW campus should call the University Police Department. On the Foggy Bottom campus, the number is (202) 994-6111. On the Mt Vernon campus, the number is (202) 242-6111.

The University Writing Program faculty remain available for individual conversations and to assist students who need to access those or other resources. We are committed to respectful discourse inside and outside our classrooms, listening conscientiously to different viewpoints, and finding a way to move forward together, united by our commitment to inclusivity, equality, and compassion in a violence free world.