Election Day message from President Cudd

Dear Campus Community,

Election Day is finally here. Those of us who are fortunate enough to be eligible to vote have the opportunity to exercise our civic responsibility. Given Oregon’s proud vote-by-mail heritage, many of us have already voted. If you can vote and haven’t yet, there’s still time to drop off your ballot or get it postmarked before 8 p.m. this evening.

I want to acknowledge that for many of us, this is a heavy day. The often hateful and polarizing rhetoric of political campaigns along with the deep divides exposed in our society by this election have been a lot to take in. We may not know for several days the outcome of the presidential election and sitting in that uncertainty is a challenge all its own.

At the end of the day, all politics are local. We are fortunate to live in a state that has codified many rights for immigrants, women, queer and trans folks. Beyond that, we as a university community are dedicated to supporting underserved people and protecting the safety of marginalized people. We support free speech and welcome those with alternative views to sit at our table so we can learn from one another. We are committed to building a community ethos of care and well being, to building the community we want to see in the world — right here on our campus.

I urge us all to look after one another today and in the days and weeks to come. Health and safety resources have been added to myPSU for easy reference. Thank you for everything you bring to the PSU community; we are truly stronger together.

Sincerely,

President Ann Cudd