Connecting After the Vote
Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

While the outcome of yesterday’s presidential election is not yet known, the thoughts, words, and actions of the UMBC community during this very challenging election year fill us with hope for the future of America. At a time of great national division, UMBC students, faculty, staff, and alumni are demonstrating leadership in civic engagement by thinking deeply about the issues of our time, informing public discourse, and advocating for their personal beliefs with respect for all. 

This is precisely the sort of moral leadership America needs from its universities. Higher education institutions have an important role in listening to and learning from diverse perspectives. We can all take pride in being recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Community-Engaged University and in the work of our Center for Democracy and Civic Life. The Center’s work is an important element of UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

The Latin text on the Great Seal of our nation also speaks to our shared value of inclusive excellence: E Pluribus Unum—Out of many, one. Despite our differences, our individual and collective ability to thrive ultimately depends upon pulling together as a society. It is not about one person, it is about all of us. Regardless of our political position or our feelings about this election season, we must move forward with humility, reach out to others with different points of view, and build on the needs and values we have in common.

We encourage you to attend one of the Together Beyond events organized by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in partnership with the campus community, or invite others to gather in virtual or safe ways for conversation. The Center’s website provides excellent suggestions for facilitating conversations that build bridges.

We also know that this election and uncertainty about its outcome, combined with the cumulative effect of coping through the pandemic and the disproportionate impact of continued injustice, weigh heavily on many of us. Over the coming days, it is especially important to approach one another with compassion and understanding, and to seek support if you feel stressed or unsafe. There are many helpful resources available for students as well as faculty and staff.

Finally, moral leadership is about serving. As people with the advantage of education and opportunity, we have a responsibility to help those with the greatest needs. As the late Toni Morrison said: “If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.”

While presidential elections occur just every four years, we have the power to make a difference in the lives of others every day. Even after the election results are known, we encourage you to “cast your whole vote” by investing your time, talent, and other resources in building and sustaining strong, inclusive, and just communities.


President Freeman Hrabowski and Provost Philip Rous
]]> Dear Members of the UMBC Community, While the outcome of yesterday’s presidential election is not yet known, the thoughts, words, and actions of the UMBC community during this very challenging... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/97188/guest@my.umbc.edu/bc83f5193809902be278a09919ac262e/api/pixel election2020 UMBC Community News https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/insights https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/original.png?1593096708 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xlarge.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/large.png?1593096708 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/medium.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/small.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xsmall.png?1593096708 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/090/56c39666a7bf2e5028d5419fc903e52d/xxsmall.png?1593096708 UMBC Community News 3 0 true Wed, 04 Nov 2020 09:03:40 -0500 Election Day 2020: In Community
Dear Members of the UMBC Community,

On this Election Day, we see the importance of using our voices and taking action toward a safer and more just America. The vast majority of Americans agree that voting is one of our most important civic responsibilities. Participating in elections can unite rather than divide us.

During these extraordinarily challenging times, we are inspired by members of our UMBC community, including some ineligible to vote themselves, who have worked on behalf of candidates and causes and promoted civic engagement through the Center for Democracy and Civic Life and their own organizations and networks. It is heartening to see people who are passionate about the direction of our nation and communities encouraging everyone, including those with whom they disagree, to “cast [their] whole vote.” On behalf of the Center staff, we want to thank all of the individuals, departments, and campus organizations collaborating with us on Election 2020 events and programs.

If you are voting today, this message from the Governor of Maryland notes options for in-person voting at one of the voting centers that are open across the state. Detailed information about voting is available at elections.maryland.gov/2020.

This unusually divisive election season coincides with a pandemic, economic uncertainty, new reminders of the prevalence and legacies of institutional racism, and violence and unrest around the world. The consequences of the election outcomes will affect each of us differently, in part because we are not equally vulnerable to the repercussions of public officials’ decisions and actions. These differences can weigh heavily on us and easily pull us apart. 

We know we may face more challenges in the days ahead as the process of determining the election’s outcome is likely to extend beyond Election Night. It is important that every vote be counted. It is also more important than ever that all of us care for ourselves and one another, engage in civil dialogue, practice the art of listening, and—even with our differences—find ways to weather this time together. We are an inclusive community of inquiring minds, and we will continue to be a community after the election.

In that spirit, we hope students, faculty, staff, and alumni will join us for the following events:

In addition, a number of UMBC departments and organizations will host Together Beyond November events in the coming days. These will be small group conversations facilitated by UMBC community members to support participants in renewing connections, reflecting on the election and its aftermath, and helping each other through challenging times. Keep an eye out for details and invitations.

You can find additional resources on the Center for Democracy and Civic Life website, and follow our myUMBC group for the latest events and information. We look forward to being in community with you and to doing this important work together in the days ahead.


David Hoffman, Director, Center for Democracy and Civic Life
Romy Hübler, Assistant Director, Center for Democracy and Civic Life
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