Interim University President Mark Wrighton released a statement to the GW community Friday, addressing the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

The statement came a week after the decision via a 5-4 ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, overturned Roe v. Wade and ended federal protections for abortion. In the two-paragraph statement, Wrighton said the decision was a “significant moment in history” and states GW’s role is to support the well-being of the community.

“I have heard from individuals who are hurting and fearful, and as President of our university, I believe it is important to recognize this pain and share the university’s support for women and for all members of our community,” Wrighton states.

Wrighton states he asked University leadership to send out health care-related “resources, support and guidance” in the coming weeks and also states his hope for GW to remain “bound” by beliefs of inquiry and debate.

The statement comes days after the University rejected calls for the removal of Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, one of five justices who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, from GW Law’s faculty.

“Our university’s mission is to provide the teaching and research that addresses pressing challenges and brings positive solutions to the country and our world,” Wrighton said in the statement. “This means something different to each member of our community.”