The United States is at war with Iraq.
The long anticipated war against Saddam Hussein began Wednesday night with the first attack on Baghdad and will continue for an unknown amount of time.
People and organizations across the United States are preparing for possible attacks on the country, and University of Memphis officials are preparing The U of M as well.
President Shirley Raines, who was not available for comment Thursday because she was out of town, issued an e-mail Thursday to all staff, faculty and students telling them The U of M is prepared.
Raines sent the e-mail to inform the campus community that the positions of leadership at The U of M are fully mindful of the responsibility to maintain a safe and secure campus during the war, saying she believes The U of M is equipped and prepared to meet any obligation.
The President’s Office, the Psychological Counseling Center, Police Services, Physical Plant personnel and others are attentive and ready to stop any crisis situations that should occur and help anyone in The University community.
Counseling services, advisers and residence life leaders stand ready to assist students, staff or faculty in dealing with their anxieties, especially for those who know students, staff or faculty who have been called to military duty.
Manager of the Psychology Unit, Robert Maichrowicz said the Psychological Counseling Center staff on campus is opening their arms to those in need of someone to talk to about the dealings of the war or anything personal.
“If an individual or a group needs to talk to someone about anything concerning the war or anything else, we will be more than happy to be there to discuss any situation or topic,” Maichrowicz said. “It is free of charge and confidential.”
Some students around campus have already voiced their worries about the war and its outcome.
“My life will not change because of the war, but I have concerns and doubts,” Tanisha Davis, junior, said. “My father is in the military, and I am worried that the war will not end anytime soon.”
Junior Toni Reeves said the war will affect people whether they know it or not.
“It is overwhelming and heartbreaking to see people going to war, and we don’t even know what is really going on,” Reeves said. “Everyone will be affected by the war, especially emotionally because of the many lives that will be lost.”
Raines said no one on campus should be discriminated against or threatened because of his or her race or religion, and if anything should happen, The U of M has legal measures to handle the situation.
“We fully expect everyone associated with The U of M to maintain self-control and avoid any harmful action against an individual or group of individuals based on their ethnic heritage, religious beliefs or national origins,” Raines wrote in the e-mail. “Further more, if any harmful actions are committed, The University will take whatever legal measures are necessary to deal with those persons.”
However, she emphasized in the e-mail that The University would work together for a positive outcome.
“Whatever the duration and whatever the future brings, I am confident The U of M community will work to create positive changes in our world.”
