To our fellow Seahawks,
In light of recent events on our campus, the UNCW community finds itself at a crossroads. We’ve experienced fear, confusion, anger and frustration – emotions that are real, valid and shared. While the incident that prompted Thursday’s lockdown was ultimately determined to be a false alarm, the emotional impact was real, and remains present for many. During those uncertain hours, we were not thinking about our differences in ideology, background or identity. We were simply students caught in a moment none of us expected.
It’s in moments like these that the climate of a campus truly reveals itself — not just through the actions of individuals, but through how we respond as a community. What we’ve collectively experienced cannot be erased or minimized. It deserves space to be acknowledged, processed and understood.
One of the key lessons we must take from this experience is the responsibility we all share in the way we communicate, especially online. In an era where information spreads rapidly and often without verification, it is crucial that we pause before posting, reacting or engaging in discourse. The internet is forever, and even well-intentioned words can fuel division if they are not thoughtfully considered. We must take the time to seek out credible sources, to understand the full context and to approach difficult conversations with patience and compassion. Misinformation only adds to the confusion and fear, and it is our collective duty to combat it.
As a publication, we recognize our own responsibility in this. The Seahawk remains committed to truth, transparency and ethical reporting — and we understand the unique trust placed in us by our peers.
This trust guides us in moments like these, when clarity and compassion are essential. As students ourselves, we are not immune to the emotional weight that recent events have carried, and we know many are still processing what it all means. For some, this experience may have shaken their sense of safety on campus. For others, it may have deepened concerns about free expression, civil discourse and the overall tone of dialogue within our university community.
We believe it’s possible to hold space for both reflection and forward momentum; to acknowledge the pain and confusion, while also recognizing that our campus identity is not defined by a single incident, nor should it be. Still, moments like this can serve as inflection points, reminding us of what’s at stake when division outweighs understanding, and when fear becomes louder than reason.
What unfolded on our campus reflects, in part, a broader climate of political polarization that is playing out across the country. These dynamics do not disappear at the gates of a university, and yet, the role of a university should be to rise above them. A campus should be a space where we feel safe not only physically, but emotionally. A space where ideas can be shared freely, and also received respectfully. Where disagreement doesn’t escalate into hostility, and where no one is made to feel unwelcome or unsafe for participating.
That shared commitment to safety, in the broadest sense of the word, must remain non-negotiable. No student, regardless of background, beliefs or identity, should ever feel afraid to attend class, walk across campus or speak their mind.
As we return to campus this week, many of us carry a mix of unresolved emotions and unanswered questions. It’s natural to feel unsure of what comes next or how to move forward. There may still be tension in the air, but that tension doesn’t have to define our space. We have the chance to collectively shape what kind of community we want to be – not just in moments of turbulence but in the everyday ways we show care, extend patience and choose understanding over assumption.
Moments like these remind us that community is not something we inherit, but something we build. It requires intention, and it begins with each of us. The way we treat one another, the way we listen and the way we make space for perspectives different from our own — these actions matter, and they shape the climate we all share. Give each other, and yourselves, grace.
To the first-year students just beginning to build their lives here: please know that this moment does not define UNCW. There is so much this university has to offer, and your experience is still unfolding. To returning students who know the true heart of this campus: we hope you will help lead the way in rebuilding the sense of trust and connection that makes this place feel like home.
UNCW offers a number of resources to support your mental and emotional wellbeing, especially during times like these. The Counseling Center, the CARE office and the Rec Center are all available to support students navigating stress, trauma or uncertainty.
At The Seahawk, we are committed to fostering thoughtful dialogue and reflection. However, we also recognize the importance of taking a step back to allow space for the community to process and heal. In the coming weeks, we will refrain from publishing immediate follow-up pieces on the events of last week, focusing instead on providing intentional, measured reporting when the time is right. Our responsibility to our community means ensuring that the stories we tell and the conversations we facilitate are done with care, accuracy and consideration for the diverse perspectives on campus. We understand that trust takes time to rebuild, and we are committed to being a part of that process in a way that reflects the values of empathy and respect we seek to promote.
For more information about recent events on campus, and to access confirmed updates directly from the university, please visit UNCW’s official Incident Response FAQ page.
