Gathering

Dear students, faculty, and staff, 

I write today to affirm our community, and how very much it matters to be in community. Each of us will feel the impact of the election’s results within the context of our backgrounds, identities, and experiences, as well as in our community. 

Today, and in the coming days, community members have created multiple opportunities to gather to discuss and process the results in both formal and informal settings. I thank all those involved for giving us the gift of being in community. 

You are invited to benefit from the following opportunities, with gratitude to the students, faculty, and staff who have created these spaces for reflection and inquiry; 

• TODAY Nov. 6 from noon-1 p.m., the Rosenfield Program and the Program in Practical Political Education are hosting an Election Reflection in JRC 101 with conversation tables and faculty experts available. Professor of Political Science, Peter Hanson will open a space for discussion and processing. Lunch will be provided, and JRC 101 will remain open for informal gatherings through 5 p.m.  
  
  Nov. 8 from 4-5:30 p.m., a Post-Election Conversation will be held in HSSC A2231, sponsored by the Center for the Humanities, Center for Prairie Studies, DASIL, the Wilson Center, Peace and Conflict Studies, Rosenfield Program, and Writers@Grinnell.  All are welcome.  
   
• Community spaces for students will be hosted by ODEI’s cultural centers as follows, joined by SHAW staff:
  • Black Cultural Center on Nov. 6 from 3-5 p.m.   
  • Disability Cultural Center on Nov. 7 from 3-5 p.m.  
  • Latinx/e Cultural Center on Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (event in JRC 209)    
  • Stonewall Resource Center on Nov. 11 from 4-6 p.m.  

All students, faculty, and staff can turn to support resources. Please use these as they are helpful to you and do not hesitate to reach out for support and provisions for your care and safety. We continue to review options for transportation after dark and encourage students the use the College shuttle or call Campus Safety at extension 4600 (on-campus) or at 641-269-4600 (off-campus) to request a walking safety escort.  

Please take time, as needed, to process what this election means for you in the way that is right for you. For some, this may mean a departure from the syllabus or planned activities, for others it may mean that this structure is helpful or appreciated. Both approaches, or combinations of approaches, are encouraged. 

I have great confidence in Grinnellians to reach out to each other with grace and support as we uphold the worth of each individual. 

Sincerely, 

Anne F. Harris 
President