Dear UMPI Community,
The University of Maine at Presque Isle stands with those across higher education in our unequivocal condemnation of the assassination attempt and consequent loss of life that occurred yesterday in Pennsylvania at the political event held by former President Trump. At UMPI, we hold as inviolate each individual’s right to engage in lawful dialogue, discussion, and debate without fear of violence or reprisal; harm against any individual in doing so is a harm against us all. As noted in a message sent out by University of Maine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy:
The right of the people to peaceably assemble is among our nation’s foremost freedoms. I stand with all Americans in thanking the Secret Service for their quick action, which undoubtedly prevented greater loss of life, and in praying for the health of the former President and those in attendance, and for our nation. This shocking incident does not reflect who we are as Americans, nor how we resolve our differences. Now more than ever, Maine’s public universities are committed to fostering free inquiry and respectful, civil discourse among those with diverse viewpoints.
I encourage students or anyone in need at this time to contact UMPI’s Support Services (768-9732, mary.barbosa@maine.edu), our Dean of Students (768-9518, sarah.coyer@maine.edu), or our counseling services (768-9791, ralph.mcpherson@maine.edu) for support and resources. Additionally, the University of Maine System maintains a 24/7 Counseling Hotline at 1-866-713-1978 (please note that you are associated with the University of Maine System when greeted). This provides confidential immediate phone support with clinicians, referrals for in-person or virtual counseling sessions, and assistance in connecting to additional resources.
