University News

WIU Interim President Martin Abraham: 2020 Presidential Election Results

November 9, 2020

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Dear University Community,

The outcome of the U.S. presidential election has now been decided and our nation has elected Joe Biden as our nation's 46th president and Kamala Harris as our vice president. While the results were exceedingly close in several states and appropriate recounts and legal challenges are yet to be completed, our democratic process is designed to support the outcome of the election. If this was the outcome you sought, you are no doubt excited and are celebrating. If this was not the outcome you were hoping for, you may be experiencing unease, and these feelings may be heightened by the challenges that we continue to face as a nation and as a University. Be mindful of the feelings of others, support those with whom you share feelings, and understand those with different feelings. 

Regardless of your political beliefs, it is now time for us to come together to find a path towards a future in which we can respect those with whom we disagree. As an institution of higher education, we celebrate our differences and promote open communication. Our dialogues allow us to work together to overcome our differences, as we listen to others and honor each member of our community with their dignity of thought. Colleges and universities exist, above all, to contribute to solving the problems we face together.

WIU will continue to provide a supportive environment that welcomes and celebrates the uniqueness of our University community. All students, faculty, staff, and visitors, domestic and international, are welcome at Western Illinois University. We will continue to respect, value, and celebrate our diversity. Messages and actions of hate, racism, and violence are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We expect that every individual within our University community, and beyond, be treated with civility and respect in both words and actions.

What can you do now, in order to be prepared for the next election in four years? Get involved. Be an active participant in causes and programs that matter to you and that make a difference. 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)
Office of University Communications & Marketing