Dear University Community,
As the 2020 election approaches, I want to remind everyone of their responsibility to express their opinion on the future direction of the country by taking the one action that has the greatest effect: your vote at the ballot box. I remember the 2000 presidential election in which 537 voters in Florida determined the outcome. Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. It is our obligation as a citizen to express our views by voting. Don’t give away your chance to be heard!
Discussions are encouraged and differing points of view are part of our learning community; however, we must do so in a manner that is respectful of others, and we must remain calm and peaceful. As a public institution, Western supports and promotes freedom of speech. Regardless, we expect individuals to be civil and follow WIU’s anti-discrimination and harassment policies. Messages and actions of hate, racism and violence are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
I would like to also remind our WIU employees, including our student employees, of the following State Ethics Act regulation: “State employees shall not intentionally perform any prohibited political activity during any compensated time (other than vacation, personal, or compensatory time off).” If you choose to engage in any political-related activity in your free time, you should not wear your WIU nametag or any attire that is affiliated with your position at the University.
We are informed by the values to which we aspire as a University. We are committed to providing opportunities for personal growth in a transformative educational environment that supports the development of wellness, ethical decision-making and personal responsibility in the global community. And we are committed to civic and community engagement, equity, social justice and diversity, and we will maintain the highest standards of integrity in our work with others.
We are at a crossroads in an exceedingly divided nation. No matter your political leanings, and no matter the outcome of the election, it is my expectation that we will come together to begin reconciling the impacts of the strife, racism and unrest, and the added challenges brought on by the pandemic, that has impacted our University, our state, our nation and our world.
Western Illinois University strives to be a supportive and peaceful community that embraces and celebrates our differences. We will continue in our efforts toward the common good, and we will continue to respect, value, and embrace diversity and inclusion.
Thank you, and be well.
Martin Abraham
Interim President
