Dear colleagues:

Thank you to all who came to our school-wide meeting yesterday.  We had some 400 members of our community present, engaging in the beginnings of a conversation about the electoral change in the country and its impact on all of us.

As I mentioned at the meeting I see the school-wide gathering as a first step in a series of conversations.  Departments and units will be organizing their own events, as will our Office of Graduate Student Life.   I will participate in some of these and stand always available to be a part of conversations, either in groups or one on one, as appropriate.

Universities have a core responsibility to generate thought, to tolerate and encourage disagreement to the end of sharpening our ideas. We set an example by engaging in these conversations with civility and tolerance. This contentious election does not change that. I look forward to seeing our conversation evolve and grow.

At the same time, it is very much our responsibility to advance ideas that improve the health of populations. That means we have to be a loud, clear, forceful voice against words and action from anyone— including but not limited to the president elect—that promote disrespect or hate.

I am also acutely aware that members of our community may need support during this time.  Students can contact Chase Crossno (ccrossno@bu.edu) or Mahogany Price (mbprice@bu.edu) at any time; they can provide support directly or direct students to other resources.  The Office of Graduate Student Life (led by Mary Murphy-Phillips) will be organizing sessions for members of the community to come together, more details on this will follow.  Please also take a look at http://www.bu.edu/dos/2016/11/09/boston-university-election-2016-discussions/ for information about other opportunities to engage with the election and its aftermath at the University.

I am proud to be a member of a community that rises to the challenges posed by this election.   This election in many ways makes our voice more important than ever.  It is on us to be clear and consistent about our message, about the need for the cultural and economic conditions that create healthier populations and a better world.  I look forward to doing ever more of that together.

Warmly,

Sandro

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