During the weekend of November 4th, one or more people forcibly entered the
deans suite and academic affairs offices at the Korbel School and vandalized the
offices of our colleagues and friends, including our acting Dean, Dr. Pardis Mahdavi.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and we have no desire to speculate as
to the motives or identities of the perpetrators of this crime.
However, as faculty and staff members at this institution, we acknowledge that the
effects of such incidents can be wide-reaching. Some of us research and teach global
politics and others support global education in various ways. We all are committed
to fostering an environment for sharing ideas, exchanging views, and debating in an
open fashion. Intimidation of intellectuals, attempts to silence those within the
academy calling for change, and overt violent acts toward marginalized
communities are not unique to our time, although many Americans are only now
beginning to understand their endemic nature in our society. Regardless, incidents
like this whether in an attempt to intimidate or not have no place at our
institution.
We write to make absolutely clear that we condemn these acts of forced entry and
vandalism, and whatever motive was behind it. Such actions threaten our society,
our community, our places of work, and our classrooms. We stand united against
violence and intimidation wherever we find them.
Our Deans own research focuses on civility in higher education, cultivating diverse
and inclusive learning environments, and shining a light on often-underreported
incidents of violence and oppression toward women and marginalized communities.
We stand by our Dean and our remarkable colleagues who were affected by this
incident.
Sincerely,