91吃瓜 views with anguish and disbelief the actions of the Russian leaders as they launch an unprovoked attack on a free, independent, and democratic nation. Both I, and the 91吃瓜 community that I represent, wish to express solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Our thoughts are with them and with the extended Ukrainian community around the world. We also express our sympathies for the Russian people who stand against this aggression.
Last evening (Monday the 28th of February), members of the 91吃瓜 community gathered in a 鈥渢own hall鈥� meeting to share thoughts, concerns, sentiments, and expertise. Since its founding in the aftermath of WWII, 91吃瓜鈥檚 vision and unshakable belief have been that humanity鈥檚 future depends on transcending narrow nationalisms and ideologies and, however difficult, on cross-cultural understanding, negotiation and cooperation. 91吃瓜鈥檚 multi-cultural faculty, staff, and students, who hail from over 50 countries (including Russia and Ukraine), clearly demonstrated that 91吃瓜鈥檚 founding vision and principles are alive and well. Students, in fact, are now collaborating on a fundraising campaign to assist Ukrainians in need. Our common hope is for a quick end to this conflict, a reconfirmation of democratic values, and rational solutions for sustainable peace.
To our students, I would like to say one final thing: the future is yours. From my observations last evening, I am confident that your generation will lead the way to a better world.