Dear UMBC Community,

We are aware that even though many of us are taking a summer break, there has been no break in the deeply serious and tragic events affecting our city, nation, and world. It is difficult to absorb the steady stream of dramatic news, from the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade and the questions this raises about the future rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and families in poverty. to the brutal murders of the teachers and children in Uvalde and continued tragic violence across the nation.

In times like these, we are especially grateful for our UMBC community and our collective vision to advance knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice. This goal draws us to seek understanding of the most challenging issues facing our nation, particularly ensuring the constitutional rights of all people.

As a community of inquiring minds, we are fortunate to have opportunities to connect with one another to share our stories and learn our histories through coursework, research collaborations, and the many centers and academic departments on campus committed to building the empathy, listening, dialogue, and activist skills that are vital to healthy civic life.

We encourage you to read this important post on the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's website to learn how you can make a difference in the campus community and beyond.

President Freeman Hrabowski
Provost Philip Rous