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Murray State President Dr. Bob Davies Speaks Out After Ohio State Attack

Dr. Bob Davies, Murray State University

Murray State’s president Dr. Bob Davies put out a statement on the events that happened at Ohio State on Monday, where 11 were injured in a knife attack. Davies says he urges the Murray State community to “reject the notion of hatred and violence that is becoming commonplace in our nation.” in a letter addressed to the Murray State community.

"This week started with news coming from Ohio State about yet another act of violence on a university campus.  Our hearts, thoughts and prayers extend to all members of the Ohio State community as they process the tragic effects of the recent incident on their campus.

As news comes forward about the motives and intentions of this act, we – as a community of educators, scholars and learners – must reject the notion of hatred and violence that is becoming commonplace in our nation.  We must take a stand that we all come from different backgrounds, with different traditions, histories and viewpoints.  It is through these differences that we are able to reach commonality in our efforts to bring forward ideas and actions that advance and elevate all members of our society.  

Our hearts yearn for those at Ohio State as they face the aftermath of their campus being violated and disrupted – just as our souls still are healing from the tragic incidents in Orlando, Baltimore, Paris, Boston, Ferguson, Chattanooga, San Bernardino, Aurora and the long, heartbreaking list continues.  

So, what can we do in these uncertain times?  We must continue to have hope.  We must pledge to endure.  We must be examples of the change we want to bring.  We must demonstrate our commitment to a peaceful and just society through our own interactions and through our own efforts.  We start with upholding our commitment to our own Community Pledge of:  1) accepting one another; 2) learning from one another; 3) creating an atmosphere of positive engagement and 4) challenging bigotry.  We must remain caring and compassionate individuals. 

Please continue with positive thoughts for peace and the necessary assistance for our friends at Ohio State and for all who have suffered from recent tragic events with the hope that we will see the wisdom in coming together.  As a human race we all live in one world, working together and not creating divisions."

Davies started a series of surveys and forums that promotes a 'Marketplace of Ideas.' In his email, Davies pushes for unity in “these uncertain times”. In an earlier interview, Davies said ideas of race relations will be the focal point of the 2017 Presidential Lecture Series.

 

Taylor is a recent Murray State University graduate where she studied journalism and history. When she's not reporting for WKMS, she enjoys creative writing and traveling. She loves writing stories that involve diversity, local culture and history, nature and recreation, art and music, and national or local politics. If you have a news tip or idea, shoot her an email at tinman1@murraystate.edu!
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