The Nov. 8 presidential election results came as a surprise to a large segment of the American population. The Lehigh community mirrored that widespread surprise.
As I prepared for class on the morning after, I decided that it was appropriate to offer my students some observations which I did in a non-partisan way. The looks on the faces of many of my students were telling — ranging from despondency to happiness. I attempted to reassure them that the United States, as messy as its political system can sometimes be, would prevail in light of an outcome few anticipated. I noted that America’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and will continue to be as the country moves forward.
I observed that diversity means that the perspectives and values of the American people are also diverse, and, while displaying the electoral map, I pointed out how folks who live outside large, urban areas do not necessarily embrace the same social, economic and political philosophies as folks in New York City, Boston or Philadelphia. I ended by encouraging my students to seek out and connect with people who are different from them, and, to support diversity as a virtue.
The Lehigh administration remained largely silent about the election until Friday when Provost Patrick Farrell and Vice Provost Ian Birky sent an email to the Lehigh community. In that email, Farrell and Birky articulated a variety of on-campus organizations and activities, most of which presumptively aid students who had “feelings of distress” at the outcome of the election. They did note that they did not feel the need to “institute crisis response centers.”
Their email was, in my mind, an opportunity lost.
Farrell and Birky could have pointed out that the United States is a constitutional republic, and, that this is the way we elect our president. It has worked well for us for more than two centuries, and will continue to work well for us.
They could have pointed out that most Lehigh students had just voted in their first presidential election — a constitutional right that 18 year olds have only enjoyed for the past 45 years.
They could have pointed out that it was Veterans Day — a national holiday in which America honors those who have placed themselves in harm’s way to preserve and protect the freedoms that we all enjoy. Many of those veterans made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us, and many more have been permanently maimed defending those freedoms. For us.
They could have pointed out that our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents had endured world wars and The Great Depression. By contrast, we are much more secure and affluent. The stresses and sacrifices of those who came before us did not deter them from moving forward.
They could have affirmed The Principles of Our Equitable Community, and, especially, “We recognize and celebrate the richness contributed to our lives by our diverse community.”
Finally, they could have encouraged everyone at Lehigh to strengthen their resolve to be actively engaged in the world around them. To seek a deeper understanding of those with whom they may disagree. And, to demonstrate their commitment to our community by both their words and their deeds.
I am optimistic that the United States — however imperfect — will remain the grandest experiment in human history. It is my hope that the entire Lehigh community shares that optimism.
Stephen F. Thode is an associate professor in the College of Business and Economics. He can be reached at [email protected].
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1 Comment
Prof Thode comments are so refreshing from a faculty member at Lehigh. His point that the administration missed an opportunity to point out the results are consistent with our constitutional republic was brilliant.
Even more appropriate was his pointing out that diversity can work both ways in that suburban & rural opinion is just as important as inner city opinion.
Well done Steven!!!