President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: 2020 Election
November 7, 2020
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
This morning I have been glued to the news. Major media outlets have reported that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have won the presidential election. Regardless of your political leaning, this is a powerful and emotional moment. I pause and think about firsts. I am conscious of the collective history that has made this moment possible, the moment when the first woman—and first woman of color—has been elected vice president of the United States. I also think about the fact that this election set a record for voter turnout. I am heartened that so many cast their votes. Such engagement in our political process is essential to address our nation's challenges.
I find inspiration and take enormous pride in what this moment stands for in terms of diversity, inclusion, and participatory democracy. As I said when I was elected the first openly gay and female president of Reed, "It becomes an invitation to question the status quo, to challenge privilege from the outside, and ultimately to envision a different sort of future."
All my best,
Audrey
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Audrey Bilger
President