A Massachusetts college president has notified parents of his 3,500 students that the presidential election has left the community “hurting” and “fearful as to what the future holds.”
In a letter to parents, students and faculty, Clark University President David P. Angel wrote, “The past two days, and indeed the whole election cycle, have been demanding on our community. Whatever your views on the best way forward for our country, it is important to acknowledge that members of the Clark community are hurting, are afraid for themselves and their families, and are fearful as to what the future holds.”
The letter was delivered as some students around the country have led and participated in protests of Donald Trump’s election as the next president, and the defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Many have blamed the media for fanning the flames of protest, but several school systems have expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s election, like Clark University in Worcester, Mass.
The college promised to help the “healing” of saddened students, parents and faculty.
“We will support you during these upcoming days of healing, and we will mobilize our resources over the long term to ensure that all of our students are able to pursue their education in a climate of inclusion, equity, and respect,” wrote Angel.
His full memo:
Dear Parents,
We would like you to know that we sent this memo out to Clark students, staff, and faculty this morning.
* * *
To Students, Staff, and Faculty,
The past two days, and indeed the whole election cycle, have been demanding on our community. Whatever your views on the best way forward for our country, it is important to acknowledge that members of the Clark community are hurting, are afraid for themselves and their families, and are fearful as to what the future holds. Let me say that Clark University stands with each of you. We will support you during these upcoming days of healing, and we will mobilize our resources over the long term to ensure that all of our students are able to pursue their education in a climate of inclusion, equity, and respect.
As I walk around campus, I see so many simple acts of caring. This makes a difference. I am also grateful to the many student groups, staff, and faculty who have already reached out, organized events, and supported one another. Our professional staff stand ready to assist you. If you have concerns, either for yourself, your colleagues, or friends, please bring them to our attention. We will respond.
Looking forward, it is important that we deepen our understanding of the rifts, structural inequalities, and contradictions that have been rendered so visible in this presidential election. We must give particular attention to those from historically marginalized communities, including people of color, the LGBTQ+ communities, religious minorities, and those with undocumented status, knowing that many of these communities intersect. Let us accept that our understandings are not complete, that we have much more to learn, and that we need to develop new ideas and new ways to move forward. Let us do this together.
Sincerely,
David P. Angel
President
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
