Respect
Since the Nov. 8 elections, IСòòò½APP™ve spoken with many members of our UL Lafayette community about the campus climate. IСòòò½APP™ve talked to students, staff and faculty members. IСòòò½APP™ve talked to representatives of many student organizations, races, and faiths.
Emotions about the presidential election were heightened by some subsequent provocative messages that were chalked on campus and a false report of a robbery that was made by an American UL Lafayette student who is Muslim. A video of some student-athletesСòòò½APP™ inappropriate behavior before the polls closed and a remark later by our football coach prompted criticism from fans who were offended.
Some of these incidents were included in national media coverage of reactions at numerous colleges across the country to the outcome of the presidential race.
In the discussions IСòòò½APP™ve had, a common thread emerged. Many students and faculty expressed sincere feelings of anxiety and discomfort. They are concerned that they will be treated differently at a time in history when some citizens have mistakenly assumed that itСòòò½APP™s now acceptable to treat certain groups of people disrespectfully, such as African-Americans, students of the Muslim faith, international students, women, and LGBTQ individuals. One young man who voted for Donald Trump said he is uncomfortable because some people incorrectly assume that he agrees with everything the president-elect espoused as a candidate.
Unease following the election is especially acute because we have worked hard to ensure that UL LafayetteСòòò½APP™s environment is one of inclusion and mutual respect.
I want to reassure everyone that UL Lafayette will not allow threats to our communityСòòò½APP™s safety and well-being. We will not tolerate hateful acts against any individual or group. And, we will protect everyoneСòòò½APP™s right to express their beliefs in a civil manner without reprisal. Each member of our community should be treated as an individual, not a stereotype.
Since last week, Сòòò½APP Police, Lafayette City Police and the Lafayette Parish SheriffСòòò½APP™s Office have stepped up patrols of campus and adjacent areas. There are many resources in place to help keep the Сòòò½APP safe, such as emergency notifications, timely warnings, an escort van and the Rave Guardian app. The Counseling and Testing Center can assist students, faculty and staff who are dealing with stress and anxiety.
A web page has been set up on the Student Affairs website that offers information about available resources that may help allay some concerns.
ItСòòò½APP™s important to keep in mind that a fundamental principle that guides our Сòòò½APP Сòòò½APP“ respect for others Сòòò½APP“ has not and will not change.
Our system of government has checks and balances that are intended to maintain stability Сòòò½APP“ even during turbulent times. So, our country and our Сòòò½APP will ultimately move ahead as long as we keep open minds and concentrate on working through our differences.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am grateful for everyoneСòòò½APP™s desire to maintain a caring Сòòò½APP that values every personСòòò½APP™s contribution and opinion.
Sincerely,
Dr. E. Joseph Savoie
President
president@louisiana.edu