The Department of English and the First-Year Composition Program condemn Russia’s assault on Ukraine. We are heartbroken by the war and its toll on Ukraine and Eastern Europe. As a department and university-wide first-year program, we are dedicated to educating students to become engaged citizens of the world, and so we abhor war and violence. We urge leaders and citizens around the world to do everything in their power to put an end to this war, help those affected by it, promote peace in the region, and end the humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
The University of Oklahoma is home to many students and faculty who are from Ukraine, Russia, and other nations in Eastern Europe or who have studied there. We especially care about the safety and wellbeing of our international students from this region, many of whom are experiencing unimaginable suffering. If you are a student in an English course from this region who needs support, please reach out to your instructor. We are here for you. If you are an international student from this region impacted by financial or other hardships, reach out to Rebecca Cruise, Shanna Vincent, or Robyn Rojas from the Central Education Abroad Office. Robyn Rojas works with student support services and is advocating for and supporting our Russian and Ukrainian students. Her email address is rrojas@ou.edu. If you are a student in crisis for any reason, consider these resources in the community or these resources at OU.
If you are a faculty or staff member or a student not from these regions simply wondering how to help, please consider this list of charities working in the region developed by NPR. If you are a faculty member wondering how to talk about the conflict with your classes, consider this resource guide prepared by the Modern Language Association.
May peace return to Ukraine and its citizens be made whole once again.
