Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen and Associated Students, Inc. President Patrick Dorsey released statements on Wednesday addressing the results of the Nov. 8 presidential election and subsequent campus protests. Read both statements in full below.
Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen:
“Like many of you, the results of last night’s election were for me unexpected. I am proud of the diversity and inclusiveness at Sacramento State, and I do not want our ideals and values threatened by this election, regardless of which candidate you supported. I am deeply troubled by much of the rhetoric that has come out of the campaign, and I fear that it has emboldened some to act in hateful and hurtful ways. We must continue to be kind to each other and not let the divisiveness of this election change who we are and what we believe. Our commitment to an inclusive and safe campus must be stronger than ever as we prepare for new leadership in our country.
As a public university, our right of free speech and the right to peacefully protest are protected by the First Amendment. We are a diverse campus, and our opinions and beliefs will often be in conflict. We must create and ensure safe and civil spaces for these opinions to be expressed and debated. I encourage you to listen, participate, and engage in these exchanges of ideas and perspectives. Despite our differences, we are still a Hornet Family, and we will always be strongest when we work together. We must honor each other and stand in solidarity with the members of our community who feel afraid, unsafe, or threatened. While many of us may feel uncertain about what may come, I can assure you that the University will be here to listen and offer support.
For those of you who may need additional support during this time, I encourage you to use the services and resources below.
Students should visit our Counseling Services at The WELL or contact them at 916-278-6461. We have counselors ready to help.
Faculty and staff should contact our University Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1-800-367-7474 or online at http://www.csus.edu/hr/departments/benefits/eap.html.
Information on how to identify and assist students in distress may be found on the Red Folder website, or you can find information for downloading an app for mobile devices here.
As President Obama noted this morning, “We’re not Democrats first. We’re not Republicans first. We are Americans first.” And as I said above, we are also a Hornet Family, and we will not let this election divide us or impede the important work that we are doing at Sacramento State to ensure that our University is welcoming and inclusive for all.
Sincerely,
Robert S. Nelsen”
ASI President Patrick Dorsey:
“Last night, we watched as the presidential election results came in and struggled with what the outcome meant for our future. Many of us asked ourselves how we would be represented in the new administration. Today, I met with students who voiced their fears about what comes next once the new president is sworn into office. I listened as they shared their concerns about access to higher education and their fear of being singled out due to their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, religion, or immigration status. I share these concerns, and I’m here to reassure you that Associated Students, Inc., and Sacramento State will always stand up for you and the values of equity and inclusion that have long been at the core of our organization.
In challenging times, it can be hard to see the light, but we are in this together. We are a Hornet family, and not one of our students should ever feel that they are not valued, that they don’t have a place at the table, or that they’re less than anyone else. It is up to us to continue to fight for the values that we hold close to our hearts.
Our future depends on our being engaged citizens working to advocate, educate, and ignite the change that we want to see in the world. Your Associated Students is here to provide support, listen, and represent your voice. I know that when we come together we are stronger. We will move forward as Hornets, and I will continue to stand by your side and fight on your behalf every day.
In solidarity,
Patrick K. Dorsey
ASI President”
