University needs to stay together

Yesterday we all watched in horror as one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in U.S. history unfolded before our eyes. \nThe tragedies in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania affected us all directly as we worried and mourned for our family members, loved ones and countrymen. \nNow that a day has passed since the attacks, it is time for America as a whole to start to regroup, lend a hand wherever necessary and work toward justice -- in whatever form our leaders will decide. \nWe in Bloomington were lucky enough not to be directly in the line of fire, but for many, the events of yesterday cut deep. \nRight now, we are all dealing with the loss of our sense of security and invincibility as a community and as a nation. We need that feeling of safety back. We need to reach out to each other as a campus and find strength in our friends, roommates, colleagues and classmates. \nTalk to someone if you are having a hard time. Celebrate your faith by going to your place of worship or a prayer vigil. Sit down with your resident assistant, friend or professor and let them know what is on your mind. \nGoing through this 35,000 people strong can make things a little bit easier.\nAn important step in our unity as a campus and as a country is to not let our anger divide us. We are all angry at what has happened, but now is not the time to point fingers at others. \nNo one here is responsible for what happened yesterday. Saying someone else is somehow responsible for yesterday's events, just based on where they are from, is fruitless and wrong. Everyone here needs to feel safe on campus -- especially now -- and it is important not to jeopardize the strides we have taken during the last few years in diversity, tolerance, celebration and peace. \nAt this point, we don't know who was behind these horrific acts. As our country's leaders move toward justice, it is our job to maintain the integrity and unity of our country. These attacks were made in an effort to destroy us -- and we cannot let these cowardly perpetrators succeed. \nAt times such as now, we need to recognize and support each other for who we all really are -- human beings.