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The
university will provide regular updates here, by phone
on
the UK Infoline (257-5684), and on UK Cable TV Channel
16.
Last night, the United States
entered into a military conflict with Iraq. For many
of the younger members of our community, it will be
their first adult experience with an armed conflict.
Some of our community may have family or friends serving
in the armed forces who have been called into action;
some have friends and family living in Iraq or other
nations at risk. Regardless of our personal beliefs
about this or any other armed conflict, it is important
for each of us to remember the ideals of higher education
in America - that we are a community bound together
by our belief in scholarly endeavors, academic freedom,
freedom of speech, civility, the worth and dignity
of all persons, and concern for all humankind.
Moreover, given the upsurge in patriotism that is
likely to occur, we must guard against a tendency
to ostracize foreign nationals in our community. The
University of Kentucky prides itself on being a safe
haven for students, faculty and staff from all over
the world, and I intend for our campus to continue
to be an environment conducive to openness, tolerance
and understanding.
In light of the U.S. Department for Homeland Security
raising the alert level, we may implement changes
to our daily routine at UK in order to respond responsibly
and appropriately to concerns raised by our government.
As law enforcement and Homeland Security personnel
make recommendations, we will consider their appropriateness
and feasibility for implementation on our campus.
Our primary goal is the safety and security of all
students, faculty and staff.
Persons planning to travel abroad are encouraged
to contact the Office of International Affairs, 257-4067
ext. 224, for the State Department's latest travel
advisories and information about the country they
will be visiting.
While we continue to vigorously support all constitutional
guarantees, it is important to remember that the University
has a designated free speech area and demonstrations
are subject to time, place and manner restrictions.
The home page of the UK Web site will carry timely
information about safety and security measures. Please
check http://www.uky.edu/
frequently for the latest and most accurate information.
If you have concerns about safety or security issues,
please call the UK Police Department at 257-1617.
In closing, I want to thank you for your assistance
in providing a welcoming, supportive and secure environment
for all individuals of our community. I have no doubt
that this great University will rise to the occasion
with grace, compassion and a renewed commitment to
a world that is safe for everyone. (President Lee
T. Todd Jr. - 3/20/2003 10:30 a.m.)
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