Struggling to come to terms with what has been called the worst terrorist attack in US history, hundreds of students gathered on the academic quad yesterday afternoon as part of a non-denominational religious service led by the University chaplaincy.
Comparing the events to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the assassinations of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Martin Luther King, University President Larry Bacow said that he has faith in the nation's ability to survive the crisis.
Bacow, Dean Kristine Dillon, and five of Tufts' religious leaders addressed a crowd that Dean of Students Bruce Reitman described as "the largest I've seen here since Kent State," referring to the 1970 shooting of four student anti-war protestors by the Ohio National Guard.
Cautioning students not to react violently towards individuals of the same religion or nationality as those suspected of the attacks, the speakers offered prayers for the victims and their families and emphasized the need to pull together as a community.
"[The attack] struck every citizen and resident - those who acted did not discriminate," Bacow said. "All of our lives have been changed forever." He also stressed the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy throughout the Tufts community by not canceling classes and holding University events as scheduled.
"Tufts is a strong community - a learning community that prides itself on engagement and active citizenship," he said. "Our job is to ensure that something positive comes out of this unspeakable tragedy."
Dillon later reiterated Bacow's sentiments, outlining the University's plan for counseling students directly affected by the attacks. Reitman and Dean of Judicial Affairs Veronica Carter joined other administrators at the campus center until early this morning, meeting with students who wished to voice feelings and concerns. Culture houses, residential lounges, and religious centers also served as hubs for students to gather and seek counseling.
"We have ongoing centers for students to come together and show strength... it's a community experience," Dillon said.
During their brief remarks, Tufts' religious chaplains also echoed the need for strength and unity.
"This is not a time to lose faith but a time to come together with compassion and courage," said Interim University Chaplain Reverend Patricia Kepler, as she introduced the prayer portion of the service.
Reverend Steven Bosey, the Protestant chaplain, also discussed themes of community and the need to "break down the walls that separate us," offering a "prayer for the human family." Muslim spiritual leader Imam Noureddine Hawat was especially vocal on this issue as he discussed the emotional impact of yesterday's events.
"We must unite together and not serve the purpose struck upon us today," he said. "We must go against it and strike love."
Both Rabbi Jeffrey Summit and Roman Catholic Reverend David O'Leary discussed how Tufts should proceed in the wake of yesterday's attacks.
"There is much to remember now," Summit said. "We must make a commitment to sustaining communities of peace."
Bacow said he was impressed by the way students were handling the situation and by the vast turnout at the vigil.
"In some ways what is more important than what was said is that we all came together," he said.
"I thought it was good how they had all the different chaplains say a prayer, and everyone could relate to all the prayers," sophomore Emily Rhodes said. "It's a delicate topic that you have to approach in a certain way and I thought they handled it very well."
