I am writing today to encourage everyone to vote. There is still time to register and vote, and all the information necessary to do so is located here.
I also want to emphasize that no matter the outcome of the election, our campus is committed to civil discourse. UW-Stout values “the nobility of spirit, a diversity of people, respect and inclusion for all.” One of our enduring goals is to “foster a collegial, trusting and inclusive campus climate.”
We should engage in vigorous and difficult discussions; doing so is part of the learning process that occurs at a university. We are committed to critical thinking, problem-solving, and looking at issues from a variety of perspectives.
We must also remember that we are a community of learners who possess a range of viewpoints and opinions. We may hold firm to our own beliefs, values, and choices, but we must respect the right of others to disagree with us. This is what it means to be a member of a democratic society and responding in a civil way to views different from one’s own is what is means to be a member of our special learning community at UW-Stout.
Thank you,