In Solidarity with Ukraine: Statement from Montgomery College President Jermaine Williams

In Solidarity with Ukraine: Statement from Montgomery College President Jermaine Williams.

"As we all continue to watch the violence in Eastern Europe, I know many of you are as appalled and concerned as I am. Given Montgomery College’s large international community and focus on creating inclusive environments, I know that current developments strike a nerve for many of us. Even more difficult is that several dozen of our students hold visas from Ukraine and nations that surround it. Being far from home when conditions turn violent can undoubtedly be a frightening experience. There are also many among our employees with ancestral connections to the region, for whom these events are profoundly unsettling. Even for those of us without roots in the region, witnessing the suffering of the conflict is painful. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” I encourage students, faculty, and staff to be attentive of our friends and colleagues who are impacted by this crisis.

The College is reaching out to our Ukrainian students to offer support and guidance, and I hope that others will reach out to friends, colleagues, and mentors. There is also counseling available for students at the Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) Center for Success and for faculty and staff through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. There are a number of organizations, both local and national, which are well-positioned to help the people caught in this crisis. Being engaged in some way can reinforce our community’s commitment to inclusion and advancing social justice.

Thank you for joining me in caring for our Ukrainian community members at this difficult time."