A message from President Hatch

Dear Wake Forest community,

Today’s events at the U.S. Capitol building are tragic. It is a sad day for our nation — no matter your political party affiliation. If you feel shaken by what happened, you’re not alone. What has defined our country in vital ways — decorum, basic respect for democratic institutions, a peaceful transition of power — was shattered.

We are appalled by the violent siege of our nation’s capital, the conspiracy theories and wild accusations that inflamed the mob, and the words of leaders that fanned these flames. What leaders say makes a profound difference for good or ill, and what happened today stands among the most disgraceful incidents in the storied history of the American Republic.

Julie and I send our earnest prayers to those who were injured in protecting the Capitol, to all of our lawmakers and others working in the Capitol, and to the many who were impacted by this afternoon’s events — including our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends who live and work in the Washington, D.C. area. We also join with those who are grieving and feeling deeply unsettled by what happened in the United States today.

After the horrendous acts, Congress resumed the work of our democracy — showing the resilience, courage and fortitude of the American spirit. My hope is that what we witnessed in Washington, D.C., serves as an urgent reminder that our nation only works when we unite together for the good of all. May this dark day be one that inspires us to be and do better — for ourselves, our neighbors and our nation.

Sincerely,

Nathan O. Hatch
President