Early this morning, the United States Congress confirmed that President-elect Joseph Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris received 306 electoral votes, formalizing the results of the historic 2020 presidential election. The scenes from the U.S. Capitol that preceded that outcome shocked and saddened people of all backgrounds, as we witnessed violence aimed at disrupting the peaceful transfer of power in a democratic republic that has traditionally inspired confidence in the human ability to process differences under the rule of law and has served as a model of representative government around the world.
Yet, this morning, we can find hope in the dawn of a new day, the will of the people having been respected, and the institutions of democracy having demonstrated their strength. There are no easy answers to such a complex situation, but this is an opportunity for universities to embrace the important role we play as exemplary institutions. We must insist on the civility, justice, and courage required to engage in the difficult conversations that bolster freedom of thought and ultimately lead to individual and collective growth.
As we prepare to return to campus for another semester, let us renew our commitment to modeling for our communities—both locally and globally—the mutual respect for one another that make us proud to be Miami Hurricanes.
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