Joint MIT Caltech Statement
We, students at the California Institute of Technology and the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, are united in our response
to the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.
We lost community members and loved ones in the terrorist attacks,
and share the grief of the nation for the victims of these criminal
acts. We are profoundly shocked by such ruthless attacks on innocent
civilians. We absolutely condemn all hate crimes and mourn the
victims of recent scapegoating and backlash violence.
Our primary objectives in this time of crisis must be to prevent
the further loss of innocent life and to overcome the cycle of
violence and hatred from which these events arose. We are greatly
concerned by our government's increasingly militaristic calls
for retribution. The criminals responsible for the acts of terror
must be brought to justice by international cooperation, diplomacy,
and the rule of law.
Military action taken in the name of revenge without regard
for the safety of civilians will only provoke further acts of
violence and will not address the root causes of terrorism. Our
nation must pursue justice in a manner that serves the long-term
goals of the protection of human life, greater international understanding,
and a sustainable peace.
We refuse to allow terror to undermine the principles of our
society. Our freedoms and civil liberties must not be carelessly
sacrificed in the name of national security. We dedicate ourselves
to preserving the rights of all Americans, regardless of race,
nationality, or religious tradition.
As Americans, scientists, and citizens of the world, we recognize
the need for reasoned and rational response to the present threat
of terrorism. International security and protection against terror
cannot be achieved through retaliatory military action. We call
on our leaders and fellow citizens to pursue a peaceful justice
that serves the interests of freedom, liberty, and humanity.
Social Justice Cooperative
peace-keepers@mit.edu
http://web.mit.edu/justice/www/mit-caltech-statement.html
Peaceful Justice Coalition
peace@caltech.edu
http://www.peacefuljustice.caltech.edu/
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