RELEASED: October 8, 2001

We, the faculty of Centre College, wish to express our deep sorrow to all the victims of the terrorist attacks upon New York City, upon Washington, D.C., and in the air over Pennsylvania on the bleak morning of September 11, 2001. We condemn the perpetrators of such murderous action. We are humbled by the heroism of the firefighters, the rescuers, the police, the doctors and the nurses who came to the aid of the injured and the dying at the World Trade Center. By rushing selflessly into the smoke, fire and dust, many gave their own lives.

The unspeakable acts of September 11th have jarred us. They have violently reminded us that our forums for open and democratic discussion—be they classroom or boardroom—need protection. We express our gratitude to those in the American Armed Services who provide much of this defense. But we also know that this protection should never degenerate into base discrimination and recrimination against Arab peoples and others from the Middle East. The inexcusable assault on New York was not the work of the Islamic religion. Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam condemns terrorism.

This horror has also jarred our students. It has violently reminded them that their courses and plans, like great and proud oaks, can be toppled in the storm of events. The peacefulness of Fall Term, 2001, has been lost forever. We thank our local heroes, the residential and wellness staff, for their counsel and aid to students. Those who teach sports, the coaches, assistants and managers, have helped our students find a healthy balance between the grieving mind and the tired body.

We, the faculty of Centre College, wish to place this Declaration of Our Grief into the public record.

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