October 30, 2020
To: The Gonzaga Community
From: Kent Porterfield, Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Raymond Reyes, Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The unprecedented challenges of 2020 continue to unfold for all of us. In the face of a relentless COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of significant racial injustice issues, and a truly difficult and divisive national election, we hope each member of our community is taking time for personal reflection and self-care.
As a Jesuit institution our heritage and identity are firmly rooted in principles of equality and respect for all members of our community. We find strength in our diversity, and community in our genuine care for each other, as well as our neighbors in the Spokane community.
We know that civil discourse, with open and respectful discussion is key to understanding views and perspectives that are not our own, and we know that Gonzaga University is a place where everyone can speak their truth without fear. This is not a place for bigotry, racism, hatred and intolerance. As a community, we strive to be inclusive and hospitable, especially in these most trying times.
We trust that every member our of our Gonzaga family embraces and honors this commitment to mutual respect. We encourage everyone to care for themselves and their fellow Zags:
- Register and vote if you are eligible
- Speak your truth and share your views with consideration of others
- Be respectful of others’ perspectives, especially when you disagree
- Reach out for support and help when you are stressed or discouraged
- Practice empathy – have a conversation with someone whose views are different from your own
- Think about your consumption of news and social media; monitor what is healthy for you
The Ignatian value of Presupposition can be enormously helpful to us in these stressful times. St. Ignatius calls us to listen to others, and to assume the best intentions in one another, even when we disagree. This does not mean we have to accept another’s assertions; only that we recognize different points of view. Disagreements are inevitable, but they need not tear us apart.
The Gonzaga Community offers many avenues of support and assistance if you are feeling stressed. Reach out if you need to talk. Explore the Gonzaga.edu/GonzagaVotes web page for information on registering to vote, poll locations and more, as well as programs and resources (also below).
As Zags, we all courageously face the future, and are blessed to be able to do it together in support of one another.
Election Events
Pre-Election Vigil
November 2; noon
“Voting is an Act of Love”
Join students and colleagues across campus in an interfaith vigil. Register on Zagtivities to get the link.
Contact: Meredith McKay, Mission & Ministry
DACA: Where We are Now & What Lies Ahead
November 2; 5:30-7 pm
While the US Supreme Court’s decision on DACA was a tremendous victory for the 700,000+ immigrants, the fight is not over. DACA remains at risk of being scaled back further or terminated. Must register via Zagtivities to receive Zoom link -- https://gonzaga.campuslabs.com/engage/event/6188742.
Contact: SR Gibson, UMEC
Election Day on the Deck
Join us on November 3 on the Hemmingson Deck for election day coverage. We will have a giant screen, free food, swag and more!
Contact: Colleen Vandenboom, Student Development
Election Night Watch Party
November 3 2020 at 6:00-9:00 PM (Jepson 017)
Join us on election night to hang out and watch the results as they come in live! Sign up here: https://gonzaga.campuslabs.com/engage/event/6523258.
Contact: College Republicans
Moving Forward Together
Sourced from The Living Room Conversations Project, departments across campus are hosting a series of 3 election-focused conversations for our community to come together, share hopes and concerns, process grief and anxiety, and build understanding, especially across political differences.
- Wed. November 4; noon – Personal Relationships and Politics - SR Ross, UMEC & Dr. Raymond Reyes. ODEI
- Wed. November 10; 6pm – Democracy & Extremism - Dr. Kristine Hoover, GIHS/SLS; Larry Weiser, Advisory Board Member; Danny Laesch, GA
- Wed. November 18; noon – Faith in Politics - Molly Ayers, CCE & Luke Lavin, Mission & Ministry
Register on Zagtivities.
Contact: SR Gibson, UMEC
Election 2020 Analysis: Virtual Events with the Political Science Faculty
November 12; 4:00-5:00 pm
All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend upcoming Election 2020 Analysis events via Zoom with Political Science faculty, Drs. Blaine Garvin and Joe Gardner.
Zoom Meeting ID 974 8869 7792
Password/Code 536751
Contact: Professor Stacy Taninchev
taninchev@gonzaga.edu
November 17; 5:30-7 pm
After a historic decision in Bostock v Clayton County in which the US Supreme Court held that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees against sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination, just as many questions as answers surfaced. Law School & political science professors offer some answers & assess what this could mean for the future. Must register via Zagtivities to receive Zoom link -- https://gonzaga.campuslabs.com/engage/event/6176299.
Contact: Matthew Barcus, LGBTQ+ Center
Places for Support
In addition to offering events and resources, the following virtual and physical spaces are available to members of the campus community to connect, dialogue, and process the election:Center for Cura Personalis
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
(509) 313-2227
ccp@gonzaga.edu
Center for Community Engagement
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
(509) 313-6824
serve@gonzaga.edu
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
(509) 313-6550
sherazi@gonzaga.edu
Office of Mission and Ministry
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
(509) 313-4242
Need to talk?
Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
(509) 313-5760
lgbtq@gonzaga.edu
University Multicultural Education Center
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
(509) 313-5836
umec@gonzaga.edu