President Valerie Smith sent the following message to the community on November 10, 2016:

To the Swarthmore community,

During yesterday's Collection many individuals expressed their pain, uncertainty, and fear in the wake of the 2016 presidential campaign and election. The divisive nature of the long campaign has wounded many people deeply, particularly in light of threats to the values that we as a community hold dear. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, this is a time when we must reach out to one another with support and respect. 

In the face of so much uncertainty, the importance of our core mission remains unchanged. As you come to terms with the moment in which we now find ourselves, remember that civic engagement informed by critical reflection and analysis will move the country forward. Now, more than ever, we must continue the good and difficult work of creating a more inclusive, just, and compassionate community both on our own campus, and in the world. 

I've asked Dean Braun and Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement Shá Duncan Smith to share resources that you may find helpful during this time. There will be an opportunity to come together again this evening to discuss the history and the future of diversity in the context of the election through the Peripeteia Prelude on "Diversity" at 6:30pm in LPAC Cinema.

In the days and weeks ahead, I hope you will seek opportunities to learn from and about one another so that we may begin to heal and to build the kind of world we want to leave for future generations.

Sincerely,

Valerie Smith
President