Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
A long and intense election season concluded last night with Donald Trump winning the presidential election. This campaign was one of the most fervent in our history, and although at times it has been difficult, I am proud of the way our community chose to actively and respectfully engage throughout the process. Exercising the right to vote is central to our democracy. The United States governmental system is quite special, and as Secretary Clinton said today, “Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don't just respect that, we cherish it.”
Regardless of one’s political views, all of us must now move past division for the good of all. As President Obama has just reminded the nation, we “are all on the same team.” And, as President-elect Trump said last night: “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division.”
At Miami, we already know how to do this because of our commitment to Love and Honor. For more than two centuries, we’ve been strong and unified, transcending our differences and countless challenges to become a thriving community. We have made and will continue to make progress because the values that unite us call for respect and support of each other.
Our country will be working through the divisions and discord of this campaign for some time to come. Here at Miami, it is important that we reaffirm our commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, and to our shared values that are grounded in qualities of character, intellect, and service.
Let’s come together as One Miami and model this unity to our state, our nation, and the world. We do not have to agree in order to be civil, to respect and to learn from each other – imagine how much less we would learn if we all agreed on every topic. I encourage you to consider how you can help one another, our communities and our country move forward for the betterment of all.
A post-presidential election event, Continuing to Pursue Change, will be held tomorrow (Thursday, November 10), beginning at 4pm in the ASC Community Lounge. Miami’s Student Counseling Services and Office of Community Engagement and Service will work with students through a two-part program, including dealing with feelings of disappointment and let-down related to the election, and strategies for staying active and positively engaged with issues of concern now that the election is over. There will also be time for personal reflection and discussion.
Please remind yourselves, as Renate and I do every day, how fortunate we are to be part of this extraordinary community. Reach out and connect with your fellow students, our faculty and our staff, and join us in being especially grateful for the life we lead in this remarkable place in this historic time.
Miamians make a difference all over the world, and our example can be a powerful influence.
We are One Miami.
Love and Honor,
Greg Crawford
