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Following the events on January 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol, Dean Mark Alexander sent the following message to current students, faculty and staff. Additionally, Dean Alexander made a with law school deans from around the country.

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Dear ����ר�� Law Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Today, we have witnessed an unacceptable assault on our nation’s democracy.�� This attack took place on the hallowed grounds of the United States Capitol, just five blocks away from my childhood home.�� I will admit, I am shaken.�� Violent insurrection at our nation’s Capitol is unacceptable and must be condemned unequivocally.��

We are a nation dedicated to free and fair elections.�� After our November elections, all legal avenues for challenges were open, and the court system worked.�� There was no finding of widespread fraud or election irregularities.�� The results were confirmed.��

Today, the Congress met to carry out the constitutionally-mandated next step in what has always been a peaceful transfer of power.�� Today’s violence crossed all lines of appropriate, constitutionally-protected behavior.�� We should all condemn this behavior, regardless of political views.�� U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Brennan wrote, we have “a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open.”�� Debate and discourse are our norms, and physical intimidation run counter to all we are as a nation.

As a community committed to legal education, we must stand up for the rule of law and against these actions.�� As a nation, striving every day to form a more perfect union, let us be bound by what unites us and reject the violence that has marred the process.��

We will continue this conversation, including with a pop-up on Tuesday at noon.�� For now, please stay safe.

Mark C. Alexander

The Arthur J. Kania Dean