Dear Panthers,
Election Day has arrived, and whether you voted early, submitted an absentee ballot or are headed to the polls today, I’m proud of your participation in our democratic process.
This has been a stressful, challenging, unusual year, and I appreciate that any personal disappointment in today’s results might feel like “just one more thing to add to 2020.” However—whether your candidate or party wins or loses—the data, polls and historical analysis will have heard your voice. It has an impact.
When the results of today’s presidential election are announced—tonight or in the coming days—remember that moving forward gracefully is a hallmark of our American democracy. I am counting on our Adelphi family to handle the outcome, whatever it may be, with mutual respect for one another. I thank you in advance for showing kindness—both in person and online.
At Adelphi, we value differences in viewpoints and should be enriched by them. As a Panther family, we can demonstrate how much we appreciate and care about one another by upholding our core values of community, collaboration, diversity, respect and integrity.
To participate in civil discussion about the results with your peers, staff and faculty, I encourage you to join one of our community’s upcoming postelection events:
- Postelection Analysis With the Political Science Department, Wednesday, November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
- Now What? Postelection Discussion and Support, Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Practicing Acceptance: Meditations and Teachings to Help Process the Election, Thursday, November 5, 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Lastly, if this day, or the ones that unfold as a result, are difficult for you, I encourage you to tap into resources at Adelphi that can help.
My office is here to support you. To schedule time to meet with me during open office hours (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), please contact Executive Assistant Jean Derosa at derosa@adelphi.edu.
Sincerely,
R. Sentwali Bakari, PhD
Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
sbakari@adelphi.edu