Kansas State University’s President and Provost have both condemned the violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.
K-State President and 4-star military general Richard Myers issued a statement (see below) Thursday where he stated the nation witnessed actions at the nation’s capital no one ever thought was possible. He said “the very institutions of our democracy came under attack by armed rioters acting as an uncontrolled mob. The violence and damage we saw tears at the very fabric of a civil society. This shows what can happen when conspiracy theories and lies overwhelm facts.”
Myers noted many take for granted the right to free elections, freedom of speech and an unfettered media can
easily be taken away. He goes on to say, “We condemn any attempt to take away these rights through violence or other forms of subversion. Our nation will survive this insurrection and stay true to our founding principles.”
He and Provost Charles Taber encourage students who are disturbed by the events to seek help through the university’s many channels of support. They say the university’s mission is to provide a place for the free and peaceful exchange of ideas.
Dear K-State Community,
Yesterday, we witnessed actions in our nation’s capital that none of us thought we would ever see. The very institutions of our democracy came under attack by armed rioters acting as an uncontrolled mob. The violence and damage we saw tears at the very fabric of a civil society. This shows what can happen when conspiracy theories and lies overwhelm facts.
Peaceful protests are a right of every American. This and other inalienable rights are protected by the Constitution of the United States, the very document that was being invoked in a peaceful transition of power that is a hallmark of our democracy. The assault on the Constitution must not be allowed to continue. Our rights must be protected if this country is to endure.
The arc of history tells us that many of the things we take for granted, such as free elections, freedom of speech and an unfettered media can easily be taken away. We condemn any attempt to take away these rights through violence or other forms of subversion. Our nation will survive this insurrection and stay true to our founding principles.
We encourage those who are disturbed or upset by these events to seek assistance as there are many channels of support offered by the university. This is a time for all of us to come together and stay true to those principles of community that bind us and serve the common good.
As with any disruptive event, we should remain respectful of each as we engage in dialogue. Emotions are high and many have polarizing views. As a university our mission is to provide a place for the free and peaceful exchange of ideas. Please join us in bringing calm leadership to a country that needs a thoughtful response to these events.
Richard B. Myers, President
Charles Taber, Provost and Executive Vice President
