Chancellor’s Statement on Inclusive Community

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Syracuse University is built upon a deep sense of an inclusive community. This is a commitment to open and respectful dialogue, dedication to academic freedom and the search for truth, and a promise to include all voices, to listen to all viewpoints, and to embrace all members irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, disability, veteran-military status and political views.

These are Syracuse values. They have not changed this week, and I believe they will not change in the future. They are constant. I believe we should continue to build our community around these values, and around the promises we make to uphold them.

I have listened to many faculty, students, staff and alumni since Tuesday. What I have heard tells me it is important, regardless of our political views, for each of us to take time in the days and weeks ahead to reaffirm to each other, and to our community, our promise to embrace those who feel vulnerable and to show the decency and compassion that characterize this University at its best. It is also important that we reassure all members of our community that they are valued and supported.

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, whose mission squarely addresses this moment in history, is holding a panel discussion at 4 p.m. today called Who Won? Who Lost? And What It Means: A Political and Policy Analysis of the 2016 National Election. I urge you to attend and participate.

This dialogue and shared affirmation and our values cannot end with one email message or one panel discussion. Like you, I will be listening and discussing these concerns with our community in the weeks ahead, including through our institutions of shared governance.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Kent Syverud