November 3, 2020
Dear Campus Community,
This year has challenged us in ways we never imagined, and in particular, this election has amplified experiences and emotions – the pride of participation in the democratic process; uncertainty about the outcome of the election; concern, sadness and anger brought by inequality and increased political polarization; and always, the hope for a better, brighter future. Most importantly, these challenges present the opportunity for us all to exhibit the leadership and values that make us part of Texas Christian University.
Today, on this election day, I write to reaffirm TCU’s values and ask you to join me in sharpening our focus on our pursuit of the greater good. This includes honoring the dignity of and respect for the individual, as well as personal freedom and integrity. We acknowledge the vast array of human experience and ask that we allow those differences to give us reasons to connect, and reasons to support one another.
I’ve been asked who we will be after the election, and how we will deal with the outcome. My answer is this: regardless of affiliations and ideologies, we are a community, a community that is inclusive, caring, committed, and respectful of knowledge, intentional dialogue and each other. We will continue to move forward together to change the world for the better. There are few clear answers to the issues that plague us, but my prayer is that we will find these answers in our compassion toward one other.
If you’re still able to vote today from wherever you are, please do. If you can offer support or a kind word to a friend, please do. If you need to speak to someone today, don’t hesitate to reach out. Above all else, our commitment should be to each other.