A Post-Election Message from President Dunn

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016

As noted in my pre-election message to the University campus, elections are always challenging and hard fought. And they offer rhetoric that can be disturbing or offensive. We witnessed some of this, clearly, in this year’s campaign.

We now know that the people have spoken and elected Donald Trump as the nation’s president. We acknowledge and congratulate Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States, and we wish him success in guiding our nation.

I ask that, regardless of your political persuasion and candidate of choice, you accept the election outcome in the Bronco spirit of civility, respect and courtesy. Having differences is fine, but we all have a responsibility to listen and be thoughtful of the views, opinions and feelings of others. Please note, too, that our campus is one that is committed to being an open and inclusive campus, where students from other nations are welcomed and where diversity in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and disability are championed. We have an opportunity—a responsibility—to demonstrate that Western Michigan University has been and will continue to be an institution where discrimination in any form is inconsistent with our history and core values.

As we move forward as a University, we must be committed to the ideals of a citizenship that is informed, inclusive and stalwart in the belief that our community will continue to be a beacon of support and commitment to all. Please join me in reaching out to others on our campus with a message of support, encouragement and a smile. Little acts can be very powerful.