27 Oct 2020
Dear Nebraska Law Community:
We are one week from Election Day, a cornerstone of our democratic form of government. I know that 2020 has been an unprecedented year in so many ways and now we are facing a tumultuous election. Regardless of the outcome, please know that Nebraska Law expects everyone in our community to treat each other respectfully. We believe that lawyers should be equipped to facilitate dialogue and find common ground, and that it is important to do so in a respectful and thoughtful manner. I have great confidence in each of you to live our commitment to listen graciously and speak thoughtfully.
No matter your opinion on the candidates or the issues, I hope that you will engage others in thoughtful conversations. Below are several events around campus that encourage these conversations:
- Tuesday, October 27, 12-1 pm: Dish It Up: Discussion on Public Opinion
- Tuesday, October 27, 4-5:30 pm: Conversations About the Election with the Dean
- Thursday, October 29, 12-1 pm: Staying Resilient in Election Season
- Thursday, October 29, 4-5 pm: 2020 Election and Potential Legal Issues
- Monday, November 2, 12-1 pm: Virtual Support Group for All Law Students with CAPS
- Tuesday, November 3, 12-1 pm: Dish It Up: Huskers Vote Coalition
- Wednesday, November 4, 12-1 pm: Conversations About the Election with the Dean
- Thursday, November 5, 12-1: Dish It Up: A Post-Election Conversation
Of particular interest to you as law students are the times this afternoon (from 4-5:30) and next Wednesday (from noon to 1:00) when you can meet with me to talk about thoughts/concerns/anxieties/stresses/hopes/dreams surrounding the upcoming election; this Thursday’s discussion on potential legal issues with Professors Berger and Langvardt; and next Monday’s virtual support group for law students with CAPS. You can find more information about these events in StoryVita.
Our society is always going to have disagreements. But the way we face real problems in our society as members of the legal community is to come together and think about solutions. We need to figure out how to maintain relationships even when we disagree. If we can approach these situations with a sense of humility and respect to further the conversation, we will make real progress in furthering the conversation.
Kind regards,
Richard