Dear UMB Community,

 

Last week, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan joined Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser in making a joint statement about the inauguration of Joe Biden as the nation’s 46th president on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Sen. Kamala Harris also will be sworn in that day, becoming the first female, the first African American and the first Asian American vice president, as well as the highest-ranking female elected official in U.S. history.

 

The joint statement said:

 

“Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the 59th Presidential Inauguration, including last week’s violent insurrection as well as the ongoing and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking the extraordinary step of encouraging Americans not to come to Washington, D.C., and to instead participate virtually.”

 

I agree that health and safety must be our priorities at this time. I know that many of you may wish to be present to witness history, but after the loathsome attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, coupled with the pandemic, the safest choice is to not travel to Washington. Instead, I encourage you to participate in the inauguration activities virtually in order to remain safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We can honor our democracy and protect the health of our communities by participating from home.

 

Stay safe.

 

Sincerely,