From the Office of the Chancellor

In the past several weeks, there have been two significant incidents on the Danforth Campus that have run counter to who we are. Both of these incidents were unacceptable and have caused harm to members of our community and to the university itself.  I’m writing to you today because we all should expect better of the WashU community. 

January is a time for new beginnings as we turn the calendar to a fresh page for 2024, get back into the classroom for the start of the spring semester, and renew our commitment to our personal, academic, and professional goals in the new year.  This is also a time for reflection for all of us, as individuals and as a community.

Good afternoon.  I am pleased to join all of you this afternoon for WashU’s annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the essential work that he did to advance equal human dignity for every person in this country.  Thank you to the committee who planned and organized this event for putting together a thoughtful program today.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reflecting on the joys and privileges of being part of this very special Washington University community