Violence at the Capitol

A Letter from MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS - January 8, 2021

Dear MUSC family,

Like many of you, I’m stunned, upset and saddened by the violence that unfolded in our nation’s capital on Wednesday, Jan. 6. I don’t know that I’ve fully processed all of the emotions that come with watching in real time the heart of our democracy being desecrated and mocked for all of the world to see. Just like we have had to do throughout much of the past year, we find ourselves again processing and reacting to so much that it’s difficult to put adequately into words the complex emotions, thoughts and actions that we are experiencing and seeing.

I hope that it is apparent where I stand, and where MUSC stands, on what happened on Wednesday: It was not normal. It was not acceptable, and in no way, shape or form do we condone or support what transpired.

In the days ahead, we must hold on to our commitment to support and be examples of decency and respect for each other. We all have a lot of questions related to the attack on the Capitol, which we may or may not receive answers to as we learn more. But what we do have, as the MUSC family, no matter what comes our way, is our shared desire to respect and care for each other as well as those we serve. We must lead from wherever we are to reinforce positive change. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be right.

Demonstrating and embracing decency and caring is critical – and starts with each of us as individuals and as an institution. Each of us has a serious responsibility as a member of an academic health sciences center to do our part in the days ahead to remain calm, show compassion and understanding for our communities and each other, and be a guiding light for others who may not see the way ahead as we all navigate this storm.

Forever the optimist, I believe that by listening to, learning from, respecting and healing each other, we can not only get through this, but we will emerge a better and stronger nation for it.

Yours in service,
David J. Cole, M.D., FACS
MUSC President