A Message Regarding Institutional Statements
Dear UMB Community,
At the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), we strive to foster a community rooted in our core values. In recent years, there have been numerous global and domestic events that have deeply affected many members of our University community. These events often prompt calls for institutional statements that express the University’s stance or provide comfort and solidarity during times of crisis. On occasion, we sent communications in the hope that the statement would bring a measure of comfort and support to those impacted by the event.
Experience has taught us, however, that institutional statements, while well-intentioned, may not always serve the intended purpose of unifying our community or addressing the complexities of global and domestic events. Instead, they may inadvertently create divisions or detract from our core mission. After careful consideration and reflection on our mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good, we have decided to re-evaluate the practice of issuing institutional statements on specific events and issues, whether they are natural disasters, military conflicts, acts of discrimination, human rights violations, or other significant occurrences. Going forward, we will refrain from issuing statements on specific events unless they directly pertain to our mission, impact the operations of our University, or directly affect the safety and well-being of our community members.
UMB’s primary role is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can be shared, debated, and understood. We believe that our most significant contributions to societal challenges and global issues stem from our commitment to education, research, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our focus must remain on fostering a community where every member feels empowered to engage in meaningful dialogue and take informed actions that reflect their individual and collective values.
UMB will continue to support our students, faculty, and staff in their efforts to engage with the world around them, whether through research, advocacy, service, or other forms of civic engagement. We will provide resources and forums for discussion and reflection if a situation warrants, ensuring that every voice within our community can be heard and respected.
In closing, we reaffirm our commitment to our mission and values, which guide us in our pursuit of excellence and our dedication to the public good. We will continue to focus on our essential work — educating future leaders, advancing knowledge, and improving lives — while fostering a community where all can thrive.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
Roger J. Ward, EdD, JD, MSL, MPA
Provost and Executive Vice President
