Dear Department Chairs and Center and Institute Directors,

Thank you for a fruitful discussion at our October 19 meeting regarding the November 3 elections. Given the highly charged political rhetoric that has defined the mid-term congressional and presidential election campaigns, the context of voting during a pandemic, and the activism and protest that has transpired during the last few months, this is a tumultuous time, with emotions understandably elevated among many in our community. We have important roles and responsibilities during this period, and I write to follow up on our discussion, as well as on the letter that was in Today@Brown this morning, and to provide an update on relevant programming and offer resources that may be helpful as we approach Election Day.

Programming

As an academic institution, we are committed to teaching, research and programming designed to promote critical inquiry and informed discussion, debate and decision making. Many departments, centers and institutes are developing a range of programming related to the election, from the political process to delving deeply into the range of policy issues that may be affected by elections at the federal, state and local levels. These events are listed on the University Events Calendar, and include an online election night watch party hosted by the Watson Institute.

We will be supplementing these events with a faculty-led webinar, “Election 2020: What If…?,” which will offer valuable information and important insights that will be beneficial to the Brown community as we approach Election Day. The event, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from noon to 1:15 pm, will offer guidance for interpreting election results as they unfold; discuss the distinct role that African American voters play in this election and the implications of possible outcomes; the range of Constitutional issues at play; and how to consider this period in the context of US history. Many thanks to Political Science Department Chair Wendy Schiller for her help developing this opportunity. For more information about the event and to register, please visit this site.   

As noted in the Today@Brown message from EVP Russell Carey and VP Eric Estes today, we will also be organizing additional post-Election Day gatherings to promote reflection and community. Please read Today@Brown in the coming days for more information about these opportunities.

Resources

We seek your assistance as the University’s academic leadership in preparing for Election Day, and supporting faculty, staff and students as they engage within and outside of the classroom, ensuring opportunities for civic engagement, activism and the free exchange of ideas in adherence to University policies. Please review, share and discuss with faculty and staff in your areas the following:

• Brown University’s Political Activity Policy – Which notes, among other things, that University funds and resources – including websites and social media – cannot be used to engage in partisan political activity.
• COVID-19 Campus Safety Policy – Which outlines current health and safety protocols that will continue through the election and post-election periods. Given related travel restrictions, student travel outside of Rhode Island to engage in protests and related activity cannot be endorsed, and University funds – central or individual departments – cannot be used to travel or otherwise participate in protests.
• Sheridan Center resources about Teaching During the U.S. Election, which encourage and offer guidance for classroom discussions related to the elections.

Finally, we appreciate that this is a trying time, and we are pleased to provide Election Day as a paid holiday to encourage voting and other civic activity. Classes are planned for the days following the election, and please remind colleagues that academic decisions regarding classes or related matters (e.g., grading policy) can only be made by the academic deans and the Provost.

Thank you for all of your work during this intense and dynamic period.

Regards,

Rick

Richard M. Locke
Provost