November 15, 2016

Dear Campus Community,

The recent election has stirred up emotions and exposed divisions in our nation. Throughout the country instances of vile speech and threats have proliferated. We at the UO have also experienced some of this behavior over the past two weeks. Indeed, the current political climate and its aftermath have left many members of our community concerned and upset. As I walk through the EMU, I encounter students worried about their safety, their ability to continue their studies in America, and their families.

It may be obvious to many of you, but I want to make crystal clear our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Every person in this university is important and valued. The university’s leadership team stands united in our resolve to do whatever we can to enable every member of our community to flourish and contribute. I also want to make absolutely clear that we condemn any threat or effort to intimidate anyone at the university. We are a community of scholars. Efforts to divide us based upon the color of our skin, our nationality, our immigration status, our abilities, our diversity of thought, our gender, or our sexual orientation must be called out and stopped.

If you feel overwhelmed or troubled, please speak with those around you: our faculty, deans, advisors, staff at the University Counseling Center, Dean of Students office, ombudsperson or many other resources.

If you see me walking through the EMU or elsewhere, stop me and let me know how you are feeling and what ideas you have to ensure we have a welcoming community for all. I hope you will see that you have a lot of people in your corner—starting with me.

Sincerely,

Michael H. Schill
President and Professor of Law