Penn State president releases open letter in response to invasion of Ukraine. Here’s what it says
Penn State President Eric Barron published an open letter Monday in response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine — offering support for impacted students, encouraging open dialogue and explaining how the university community can help.
“Our hearts are heavy as we continue to watch the events unfold, and we remain hopeful for the return of peace to that region and the world,” Barron wrote.
Barron’s words come less than five full days after Russia launched an invasion of the eighth most-populous country in Europe, drawing widespread condemnation of Russia President Vladimir Putin as sanctions hit banks, military exports and oil refineries. Ukrainian and Russian delegations met Monday for several hours in face-to-face talks, and a second round of talks is planned.
According to the United Nations, as of early Monday afternoon, there have been at least 406 civilian casualties in Ukraine while more than half a million refugees have fled the country.
“Our hearts are with all who are directly in harm’s way as a result of this direct attack on Ukrainian sovereignty, in clear violation of international law,” Barron said in the letter. “The implications are deeply troubling: these include the humanitarian toll that already is being felt in Ukraine and around the world; and the potential long-term, global impacts.
“Our world and our collective fate are intrinsically tied together as a global society and this attack has created a level of fragility.”
Russian anti-war activists continue to take to the streets, per reports, despite the arrests of hundreds each day. And Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s defiance has earned near-universal praise, with columns and op-eds lauding his courage from The Washington Post, The Atlantic and CNN.
In his open letter, Barron specifically requested that Penn Staters hold conversations with their peers, mentors and faculty while taking advantage of their ability to speak freely. He also acknowledged a number of Penn State community members are directly impacted by the conflict.
Locally, the Ukrainian Society — a student group at Penn State — rallied with about four dozen people in front of the Allen Street Gates last Thursday. Organizers said they were surprised at the support and response, and they plan to hold another rally at 5 p.m. this Thursday in front of Old Main.
“At Penn State, we have students, faculty and staff from all over the world, including Ukraine and Russia,” Barron wrote. “Further, many on our campuses and in our communities have family roots in these regions and have loved ones living there.”
Damon Sims, vice president for student affairs, sent a letter geared toward international students hours after the invasion last week. In it, he made clear the available mental health services — something Barron reiterated in his open letter. Penn State’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can be reached at 814-863-0395 at University Park; the Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741) are both open 24/7; and international students can speak with an adviser by calling 814-865-6348 (option 2).
Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program — a free, confidential resource — can also be used for personal or work-related concerns for employees and their families.
For those looking to help, Barron also directed them to information shared by the U.S. State Department at state.gov/united-with-ukraine/. Among the information there is a list of charities to consider donating toward.
To read Barron’s full letter, go to psu.edu/news.
