SIU showing support for Ukrainian and Russian students, faculty and staff

By Janiyah Gaston, Assistant to Editor|March 3, 2022

SIU Ukrainian student, Diana Butsko, speaks at the Support Ukraine Rally with the Ukrainian flag draped over her shoulders March 3, 2022 at Faner Plaza in Carbondale, Ill.

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is voicing support for Ukrainian and Russian students and staff who are being affected by the recent conflict between the two countries.

“SIU Carbondale stands by members of the Saluki family who are directly impacted by the war in Ukraine,” Chancellor Austin Lane wrote in an email.

He urged the community to show respect and empathy for students, faculty and staff from Ukraine and from Russia and refrain from harassment based on nationality.

“The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff are of the utmost importance.,” Lane said. “We have reached out directly to our students from Ukraine to offer our full, heartfelt support.”
A peaceful rally is being organized by student leaders with support from the vice chancellors for Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Lane said. It will take place March 16 at 6:30 p.m. in Alumni Plaza.
“More details will be shared via social media,” Lane said. “We encourage the Saluki community to attend and show their support.”

For resources on how to help, the email offered this list of organizations working in support of Ukraine.

Assistant to the Editor Janiyah Gaston can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @DEJaniyah. To stay up to date with all your Southern Illinois news follow the Daily Egyptian on Facebook and Twitter.