

To: The University Community

From: Joel Seligman

Re: Message to the University Community

I write to our University community, not as a partisan. It is my responsibility as a University president not to champion any political party.

The election results last night were deeply felt by many on our campus and among our alumni.

Universities like ours are special places. We are committed to our values of academic excellence, academic freedom, respect for diversity, and commitment to our community.

It is important today to emphasize that all of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors are welcome and supported here. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or any other basis.

We welcome and support you as human beings. Regardless of what happens in an election, you will always be welcome here.

In this sense, we are a safe place. Politics can be ugly, deprecating, cruel. Our role here is to honor and respect each of you.

For some today, there is intense pain and confusion. The Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center and others will be there for you. Please make use of the resources and people available to you.

For those of you who today feel the world is a sadder and more lonely place, most of all, I proverbially reach out to you. We are family. We support each other.