Office of the President
Earlham’s Response to
the Iraq War
March 24, 2003
On behalf of the Earlham community Earlham President Doug Bennett has written this response to recent events.The invasion of Iraq represents a great human tragedy. We are enabling our campus to remain aware of and in touch with world events, to learn what is happening as information becomes available, and to not jump to conclusions. In accordance with Earlham’s mission as a Quaker institution, Earlham wants to enable our students to pursue peaceful solutions to conflicts. Quakers have often been leaders in the search for peace, and this pursuit continues on our campus. As we struggle to make sense of and respond to recent events, we will act from this grounding in the value of global education, peaceful conflict resolution, and a respect for all persons.
Over the last few weeks, we have taken steps to support community members who are concerned and worried. We have offered support to Earlham’s students, both international and domestic, and to community members who have friends and family in the region, including those serving in the military. We have considered the various roles of many Earlham alumni whose work or service has drawn them into positions of danger.
Over the next few days we have arranged several opportunities within the Earlham community for all of us to think about what has happened, to reflect on what unites us, to care for and comfort one another, and to provide opportunities for prayer for those affected. Earlham is dedicated to the search for truth and offers a safe place for serious talk about serious matters. Our community contains a diversity of opinion and is committed to thoughtful, respectful interactions. We will utilize the College’s Web site, e-mail and on-campus postings for our communications about these gatherings.
Our prayers are with our community, the nation, and the world.
Earlham
School of Religion
Richmond, Indiana
esr.earlham.edu