Your Voice Matters

Dear Members of the Bentley Community,

Next week, millions of Americans will go to the polls and exercise their right to vote. Millions more have already voted by mail or at an early polling station. For many of our students, this is the first time casting a ballot in a presidential election. Voting is one of the most active and informed means of participation in American democracy and I encourage everyone on this campus who is eligible to vote to do so on, or by, Nov. 3. Information and resources about voting for every state is available on the non-profit, non-partisan website, VoteAmerica.com. No matter how or where you vote, it is critical that your voice be heard.

Elections demand that we examine candidates, platforms and big ideas as we consider the future we want for our families, communities and country. The issues at stake are profoundly complex and often emotional. Finding solutions to the most difficult problems will require us to challenge assumptions, test theories and contemplate alternative viewpoints. While this may sound daunting, we know these are exercises that occur every day on our campus.

Bentley is committed to the freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas. Engaging in healthy debate, discussing controversial ideas and sharing unique perspectives are hallmarks of a university experience. As we approach this election, it’s important to remember that political perspectives are worthy of discussion and debate. But we still must ensure that everyone at Bentley—student, faculty or staff—feels included in our residence halls, classrooms and offices in the days, weeks and months ahead. No matter the results of this election there will be people on campus with deeply contrasting emotions. Some of your classmates, professors, students and colleagues may be overjoyed or disillusioned; comforted or angry; hopeful or dispirited. This is the challenge of our democracy. However, we do not all need to share the same identity or hold the same beliefs to come together as a community.

We are a community that strives to reflect the gender, ethnic, cultural and religious diversity of the world we live in, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to learn from and grow with one another. We all have different views and beliefs, and those differences make us stronger. No matter which end of the political spectrum you fall on, our Core Values remind us that we are a community that respects one another, regardless of our differences; that we act with honesty and integrity; and that we practice compassion and kindness. We are one community—not because we all think in the same ways, but because we are here to learn and grow together by sharing our diverse perspectives and bravely engaging on challenging issues.

This election comes at a time when health, economic, racial and environmental crises, to name a few, have placed a tremendous mental and physical burden on us all. It is critical that we take proactive steps to support our own well-being. Remember to commit or recommit to self-care and identify the sources of support available to you to navigate these crises. I also encourage students, faculty and staff to create space within classes and meetings during the week of the election for conversation and reflection. And remember to engage bravely, and respectfully, when you do.

Navigating the ups and downs of the election may lead to additional stress or anxiety for many in our community, and therefore resources are available for all students, faculty and staff. Student Affairs has developed opportunities for students to engage and process, before and after the election. Information on these opportunities will be shared later this week. The Counseling Center is also always available by calling 781-891-2274. Faculty and staff are encouraged to access our Employee Assistance Program, which offers 24/7 confidential support, counseling and best practice research on coping strategies. 

This is a moment in time that will be remembered as one of the most challenging in America’s history. The months leading up to this election have been difficult, to say the least. But it is in these difficult times that we must remember to fall back on our core values and beliefs and not let our differences divide us.

Sincerely,

Paul Condrin
Chair of the Board and Interim President