Thursday, Nov 10, 2016
President Hynd: A message regarding this week's presidential election
Oakland University President George W. Hynd addresses the campus community in the days following the 2016 presidential election.
This week’s presidential election brought to a close a long, contentious and divisive campaign season, but has not erased the confusion, anxiety and even fear that some feel as a result of a number of ideological assertions that have been made along the way. Some of these ideas have focused on people’s country of origin, race, abilities and other qualities that call to mind differences rather than the commonalities that unite us.
As a campus community, we are at our best when we come together to respectfully engage in dialogue across ideological differences; support any who feel marginalized, threatened or unwelcome; and actively pursue knowledge and understanding rather than rhetoric and hyperbole. I am confident that we will continue to do these things, and I believe there is no more important time to do so than now.
Also, and as always, there are a number of campus resources available to students, faculty and staff interested in discussing concerns or seeking support. These include but are not limited to:
I want to assure you that regardless of what is taking place in national politics, Oakland University will remain committed to providing a warm, welcoming and supportive environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion for all people, whether they come from near or far.
As a campus community, we are at our best when we come together to respectfully engage in dialogue across ideological differences; support any who feel marginalized, threatened or unwelcome; and actively pursue knowledge and understanding rather than rhetoric and hyperbole. I am confident that we will continue to do these things, and I believe there is no more important time to do so than now.
Also, and as always, there are a number of campus resources available to students, faculty and staff interested in discussing concerns or seeking support. These include but are not limited to:
- The Dean of Students Office
- The International Students and Scholars Office
- The Center for Multicultural Initiatives
- The Gender and Sexuality Center
- The Office of Disability Support Services
- The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- The Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives
- The OU Counseling Center
- The SEHS Counseling Center
I and the campus leaders and staff who provide outstanding support through these offices strongly encourage anyone feeling unsettled or uncertain in the wake of the election to take advantage of the services they offer.
I know this community will proudly embrace the opportunities before us to live and grow in concert with our University values. Elections are often times of great change, but please know that OU’s institutional values, culture and goals will continue to stand firm.
Thank you,
George W. Hynd
President
President