November 2, 2020
Dear Tulane Community:
While we continue to confront the disruptions, difficulties and distractions brought on by Hurricane Zeta, the ongoing pandemic and numerous other stressors in this challenging and unprecedented year, we are also facing a critical presidential election tomorrow.
For some of you this is the first presidential election in which you are eligible to vote. But whether it is your first vote for president or your 14th (or more) please do exercise your right and duty to do so. Elections are the core of our democracy and the foundation of our freedom. Voting is one of the most important of our civic responsibilities.
We may know the results of this election tomorrow night or it may take a number of days or longer to count all the votes. This has happened before in our nation’s recent history. But whatever the outcome, we have the opportunity to experience this election together as Tulanians.
Virtual Watch Party
On election night the School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) Public Administration program will host a virtual watch party with commentary and analysis from politicians, policymakers, business leaders, Tulane faculty and other community leaders. Join SoPA Dean Suri Duitch and Dr. Halima Leak-Francis to reflect on and discuss this momentous election as it unfolds. Click here to register for this event.
Courageous Conversations
In the days following the election, Student Affairs' New Student & Leadership Programs will host the Courageous Conversations series. This virtual, nationally recognized program, conducted in partnership with the LeaderShape Institute, will offer students, faculty and staff the opportunity to reflect and engage in meaningful conversations on the results and outcomes of the election. To register, click on the date and time you prefer to attend: Nov. 4, 7-9 p.m.; Nov. 6, 12-2 p.m.; Nov. 10, 7-9 p.m.
Election 2020: Tulane Experts Bring Context to an Historic Election
The virtual panel discussion, which was originally scheduled for last week as an election preview but was canceled because of Hurricane Zeta, will now be held at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9. Moderated by Brian Edwards, professor and dean of the School of Liberal Arts, this event will feature a host of Tulane experts in political science, history and law who will interpret the results of this historic election and offer deep context on its aftermath. Co-sponsors include College Democrats and College Republicans, Student Affairs and the School of Liberal Arts. Click here to attend.
Second only to the importance of voting, is the importance of continuing to engage in civil conversations regarding this election and the issues of the day. Vigorous debate and thoughtful discussion can lead to greater understanding and unity. As Tulanians, we stand united against racist and hate-filled language of any kind.
As an academic community, we also strive to teach and celebrate the fact that we can disagree without being disagreeable and can still call colleague, and even friend, those with perspectives different from our own. This is something we can learn every day and every election.
