Moving Forward, A Message from President Brown
November 10, 2016
Dear Friends,
We have been witness to one of the most extraordinary presidential elections in our nation’s history. We are, from various individual perspectives, contemplating changes in policy and philosophy that we anticipate will take place at the federal level and affect our lives. Some in our community will celebrate the outcome. Many are very disappointed. Many also are deeply anxious because of the corrosive and disrespectful statements about women, racial and ethnic groups, religions, and nations made during the campaign. In the months and years ahead we will learn where our newly elected government stands on the critical issues that will shape the future of our republic, our society, and our world.
In the aftermath of such a contentious election, it is understandable that there is a desire to discuss our dreams and fears as we contemplate the future. Associate Provost and Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore and the staff of the Howard Thurman Center have organized an election discussion for today, Thursday, November 10, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the College of General Studies, Room 505. Our faculty have also organized additional discussions and will continue to do so, as needed.
There will be change in our country. Boston University was founded in 1839 by a group of abolitionists who abhorred slavery. They secured a Massachusetts charter in 1869 in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. The searing lessons of the Civil War were reflected in our founders’ commitment to open the University’s doors to all students, regardless of gender, race, religion, or place of origin. This exemplary inclusiveness—at a time when such openness was extremely rare—is the bedrock on which we were built and on which we must continue to build.
Like our country, Boston University will flourish if we adhere to enduring principles that have defined our community for 150 years: respect for all people and their right to free expression, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for reasoned arguments and scientific findings. Finally, the strength of our community also depends on our commitment to civility in debate and discussion which can lead to mutual understanding.
I believe that Boston University has these values deeply embedded in its institutional DNA. No matter how we are tested, we must stay the course—holding fast to these values—so that Boston University can always be a beacon for others. I hope you will join me in this journey.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Brown
President