University News

A Message from WIU Interim President Martin Abraham: 2020 Presidential Election

November 2, 2020

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Dear University Community, 

After tomorrow, the 2020 presidential election will be complete. While Election Day will be over,  we know it might take a bit longer than usual for the count to be finalized as each state will need to complete its process to count the ballots properly received. The waiting can be stressful and create further anxiety on top of the existing loads we are carrying due to the pandemic, racial tensions across the country and the divisiveness throughout our nation, all while trying to balance coursework, our jobs, our families and more. My hope is that you are able to take a moment to breathe and find a place of peace and calm.

As we await the election's final outcome, it is time for us to come together as a community to support each other.  And we must do so peacefully, with civility and respect, allowing each other their dignity of thought, and acknowledging the difference of opinion that we cherish at Western Illinois University. We expect that all members of our University community, and beyond, be treated with civility and respect in both words and actions. 

Communication is important, and Thursday (Nov. 5) at 6:30 p.m., we begin that dialogue by hosting a post-election panel discussion via Zoom. The discussion, moderated by Political Science Chair Keith Boeckelman, will feature faculty, staff and community members, who will discuss a variety of topics associated with the 2020 election. You can register here bit.ly/WIUPostElectionPanel. In addition, our University Counseling Center (UCC) will host  "Moving Forward" group discussions for students in person and via Zoom at 2 p.m. Nov. 4 (Union Sandburg Lounge) Nov. 5 (Zoom) and Nov. 6 (Multicultural Center). In addition, the UCC has put together an election stress kit, which can be found here, that includes a variety of resources and tools.  

As an institution of higher learning, WIU celebrates our ability to create dialogue,to listen to opposing views, and to deliberate the challenges of our society. We recognize the freedom of all individuals to express their views in a manner that is supportive and respectful. Messages and actions of hate, racism, and violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

All students, faculty, staff, and visitors, domestic and international, are welcome at Western Illinois University, and we will continue to respect, value, and celebrate our diversity. As we wait for the final outcome of the 2020 election, be kind to one another, and continue to move forward to make our world a better place. 

Take care,  

Martin Abraham
Interim President

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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