(DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief)
Former United States Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis once said that the most important political office is that of the private citizen. As we approach the upcoming election and the unprecedented precautions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are called to take our obligations as citizens seriously. If you have not already done so, please make a plan to vote on or before Nov. 3.
Regardless of your political preferences, whether Democratic or Republican or something else, we remember that within the DePaul community, we are also Vincentians, called to recognize the God-given dignity shared by all.
It is possible, perhaps even likely, that we will not know the final outcome of the election on Nov. 3. It may be days, or weeks, before the votes are counted and verified. Electors are scheduled to meet in December to cast their votes and that should be the final word. But it is possible that litigation and pandemic-related delays may extend this deadline. In the meantime, some may seek to exploit the chaos surrounding the uncertainty. If you follow politics closely, you know by now that our country is gripped by political polarization.
I want to take this moment to urge all of us to avoid the temptation to act uncivilly or cast aspersions on those with whom we disagree politically. We can and we must learn to disagree without demonizing those with whom we disagree. We must seek peaceful and civil resolution of our differences and remember that as St. Vincent implores us, “We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love."
Election programming, events and sources of support include the following:
- 10/28/20 and 11/13/20, Identifying and Coping with Racial Trauma: Creating your Racism Recovery Plan with University Counseling Services, https://dehub.campusgroups.com/UCS/rsvp_boot?id=9746
- 10/26-11/18, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30-5 p.m., Anxiety-buster Series, with Health Promotion and Wellness, http://events.depaul.edu/event/anxiety-buster_series_feeling_better_in_30_minutes#.X5MfK1NKh6c
- 11/2/20, 12-1:30 p.m., Sistas…Y'all Alright?, with University Counseling Services, http://events.depaul.edu/event/sistas_yall_alright_3263#.X5MhUVNKh6c
- 11/4/20, 3-3:45 p.m., Election Analysis and Market Reactions, student organization event: Demon Traders, http://events.depaul.edu/event/election_analysis_market_reactions#.X5MiO1NKh6c
- 11/5/20, 4:30-6 p.m., Post-election Panel, with Liberal Arts and Social Sciences/Political Science, http://events.depaul.edu/event/political_science_department_presents_election_2020_9291#.X5MlKlNKh6c
- 11/13/20, Discuss Self-Care with OMSS and HPW, https://dehub.campusgroups.com/HPW/rsvp_boot?id=7321
Dean of Students Office
Students who have experienced some type of harassment or discrimination should contact the Dean of Students Office to file a complaint.
University Counseling Services
Counselors are available for support, crisis management, consultation and community referrals.
- If you would like to be contacted by a counselor please call (773) 325-7779 or (312) 362-6923.
Division of Mission & Ministry
The Division of Mission and Ministry staff can provide pastoral care and support for people of all faith or spiritual backgrounds as well as for those who do not claim a particular tradition or belief. Please contact Diane Dardon (ddardon@depaul.edu) if you are in need of support, prayer, or a listening ear.
Office of Health Promotion and Wellness
HPW can help students manage stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, etc. (overall physical, emotional and spiritual wellness). Contact 773-325-7219.
Office of Multicultural Student Success
OMSS offers support for students of color first generation students, students who demonstrate financial need, undocumented immigrant students and students with marginalized genders and sexualities. Virtual office: tinyurl.com/ZoomOMSS or contact 773-325-7325.
Racial trauma resources:
America's founding documents aspired to create a more perfect union, recognizing in humility that we cannot achieve perfection but we can strive to make progress toward an unattainable goal nonetheless. That noble sentiment bears repeating as we take on our roles as private citizens. In the coming days and weeks, I ask that you be mindful of your actions, and I urge you to redouble your efforts to help build that more perfect union. I know that our faculty and staff will do all they can to support our students, and together we will emerge prepared to continue our work in the spirit of our namesake, St. Vincent DePaul.