Dean Luke Bierman delivered a message on the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks calling on the Elon Law community "to reflect not only on our unforgettable losses stemming from that day, but on the hope and humanity we immediately witnessed in response."
The following message was emailed to Elon Law students, faculty, and staff on the morning of September 11, 2021.
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Students and colleagues:
It is hard to believe how much has changed over the past two decades since the horrific attack on our nation on September 11, 2001. Twenty years. For some of us, it feels like only yesterday, and yet for a handful of students, it may be simply a chapter in a history book, having been infants that day or having not yet been born.
Twenty years. Thousands of lives lost. Two wars. Millions of lives forever changed.
On today’s important anniversary of this pivotal moment in world history, I encourage you to set aside a moment to reflect not only on our unforgettable losses stemming from that day, but on the hope and humanity we immediately witnessed in response. The coming together as a country to mourn. The recommitment to learn about our global neighbors. The pledge to rebuild and the resilience of the American spirit.
And when you do, I ask that you consider the ways in which your work as lawyers, future lawyers and legal educators can honor the sacrifices of those who in the name of justice pursued the responsible, and those who worked to protect the liberties of the innocent. That is our responsibility in our noble profession. That is how we can never forget.
Dean Luke Bierman
Dean and Professor of Law