PLS Statement on Ukraine War

March 29, 2022

Dear PLS Students,

We oppose the Russian government's invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign country with a democratically elected government. The devastation of war is heartbreaking.  While we are physically removed from the violence, observing Ukrainians valiantly fight for their lives, their democracy, and their land is nevertheless taking an emotional toll—particularly for Ukrainian members of our community as well as those who have personal connections to the conflict.

We will be holding space next week for our students, staff, and faculty who wish to have a conversation to process the ongoing conflict.

• If you or someone close to you has personally experienced conflict and/or displacement (in the context of this war or a different one) join us on:

Monday, April 4, from 5pm-6pm.

https://msu.zoom.us/j/94266173372

Passcode: UKR 

• If you do not have personal experience of conflict and/or displacement join us on:

 Tuesday, April 5, from 5pm-6pm.

https://msu.zoom.us/j/96653887907

Passcode: UKR

Resources for our students, faculty, staff, and community members: 

• President Stanley’s statement: Supporting our Spartan community

 For members of our community affected by this war: 

• Counseling and Psychiatric Services
• Employee Assistance Program
• Office for International Students and Scholars
• Temporary Protected Statusfor eligible individuals currently at MSU

 

For members of our community who wish to learn more: 

• Ukraine expert panels by the Association for the Study of Nationalities
• Ukrainathon by PONARS Eurasia
• List of teaching resources@ Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute
• Russia Invasion of Ukraine Teach-Out

 With care,

 PLS Climate, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee

Ana Bracic, Eric Juenke, Eric Chang, Heather Wilson, and Antonia Gordon

Corwin D. Smidt

Associate Professor and Interim Chair