University of Lynchburg President Dr. Kenneth R. Garren sent the following message to members of the LC campus community Thursday evening:
Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty:
Earlier this week we received the results of the United States Presidential Election. It was a very emotional campaign and at times was carried with neither grace nor dignity. But we need to move forward and unite as a nation and likewise unite as a campus community. I now call upon members of our community to treat each other with respect and dignity and to be sensitive to those who may hold very different views from ourselves or who may have voted for a different candidate. Conversations related to the election may include an array of emotions and some discussions may make us uncomfortable. In all of our exchanges, as we promote inclusion, we must show respect for others, and always be sensitive to the feelings of others.
University of Lynchburg has always prided itself on being a community that cares for one another. We are a community that exhibits unity, regardless of our differences. Our diversity makes us strong.
University of Lynchburg must continue to be a community that strives to uphold its core institutional values:
- Integrity: Our policies and procedures, our treatment of one another, and our own behaviors demonstrate a commitment to fairness, honesty, and principle.
- Diversity: Our community benefits from the contributions of individuals from a variety of ethnicities, nationalities, sexualities, religions, ages, and political beliefs.
- Wellness: We strive to foster the well-being, in its many forms, of the members of the College community.
These three values describe University of Lynchburg’s beliefs.
These values describe University of Lynchburg’s students, faculty and staff.
These values describe each of us.
I ask each of us to promote understanding, inclusion and to connect with community members who, as a result of the election, feel uncertain, fearful, or confused. We are proud of what University of Lynchburg stands for and we must always ensure a welcoming environment for students, faculty and staff who come from diverse backgrounds various perspectives.
As Thomas Merton once wrote, “No man (or woman) is an island.” What each of us do, what we say, how we act—affects others in the community of University of Lynchburg. Let us all truly care for each other—for their welfare, for their feelings.
Best wishes,
Kenneth R. Garren, PhD
President