The Election.

By the time you get this, I have gotten back from voting or I am still on a line.

There is a lot of waiting and conversation to go. Today, televisions, at various indoor locations, around campus will be available for your casual watching. In any case where we may exceed indoor room capacity, please use the outdoor tents that have been put up on the Booth Plaza and the BU Beach on the Charles River Campus. These outdoor tents are for BU students’ political expression – you bring your own screen via your mobile device or computer. (We’ll place microphones in the spaces for you to announce results and talk as you see fit). The soapbox – look it up – is yours. Go ahead and use it! If you gather, for political expression, even under the outdoor tents, wear your mask or face cover and maintain 6 feet of physical distance or more, especially when you’re singing, chanting, and raising your voice for your candidate or cause.

I am sure you are aware that there is tension surrounding the presidential election. The conventional wisdom claims that political discourse, in this country, has gotten ugly. Some are also worried about political violence. And, do not be surprised by an unclear national result tonight. I assure you that we are mindful and have planned to keep the campus and the tent spaces safe. Give yourself a few moments to think through how you’ll react to the results (or lack of them). Please make your personal safety a primary concern. Stay mindful of your surroundings and take care of yourself.

I am standing on a voting line, today, to celebrate the folks who put their bodies on the line so that I could. Let’s celebrate each other today. Celebrate the person who checked to make sure their vote was received. Congratulations to the those of us who found a stamp and a notary to get our ballots in on time. Big ups for standing on a line to drop off a ballot or the cast your vote. And, cheers to you for nudging, asking, and supporting participation.

I hope you are able to act, reflect, and heal in a way that honors you, your loved ones, this community, and the entire Boston community.

Peace,

Kenneth Elmore

Associate Provost and Dean of Students