Keep It Civil: Disagreeing Respectfully

The following message was sent to the WPI Community:

We find ourselves at a time when civil discourse is incredibly important. The world is facing tumultuous, unsettling, and complex geopolitical issues that result in differing and sometimes passionate viewpoints. Disagreement is inevitable, and dialog and discussion are key to understanding and learning from it, especially during trying times. It is not only OK to talk about challenging issues, it’s important to do so.
 
WPI is fortunate to be a multicultural community: Individuals of many different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, identities, orientations, and backgrounds call this campus home. We each have different lived experiences, ideas, and priorities and share a responsibility to show respect and treat each other in a way that allows every person from everywhere convey their unique perspectives, be valued and accepted for who they are, and feel a true sense of belonging.

No matter what is happening in the world, it is important to remember that collectively difficult times are also opportunities for both community building and self-reflection. In addition to the Constitution Day lecture and numerous voter registration drives held in September, there are resources and events—dialogues, scholarly works, and other co-curricular programs—available to provide information regarding global events and important contextual differences, which can help individuals formulate their own thoughts and views. Please see the list below, check the university calendar for other events, and watch your email and the digital screens on campus for additional information in the coming weeks.

Thank you for everything you do to uphold and demonstrate WPI’s values of respect, inclusion, community, empathy, and kindness—now and as we look toward the future.   
 

Sincerely, 

Andrew Sears, Provost 

Lauren Turner, Senior Vice President of Talent & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer 

Emily Perlow, Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students 
 

Events: 

• Various dates: Register to vote—Check the deadline in your state. 
• October 29, The Great Debate, 6-7:30 pm, Goat's Head. The Great Debate is a chance to gather with friends and use lighthearted topics to practice debating. More details to follow. 
• November 5, Wellness Day. This Wellness Day will focus on serving the greater Worcester community. Look for more information about how to participate coming soon.  
• November 5, Election Day. Employees who wish to visit a polling location during their work day should work with their manager. 
• November 6, 7, & 12, Election Debrief, 2-4 pm, Chairs/Peterson/Taylor Room, Rubin Campus Center.  Join your peers and WPI community members for discussion about the 2024 US elections and what's next in the process.

  LinkedIn Learning Modules for Employees: 

• Communicating about Culturally Sensitive Issues
• Mindful Communication for Less Conflict and Stronger Relationships
• Difficult Conversations about Politics at Work
• Communicating with Diplomacy and Tact
• Proactively Manage Conflict as an Employee

Additional Reading: 
WPI: Supporting Student Spirituality 

As always, the Center for Well-Being, Student Development and Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, Talent & Inclusion, and other resources are available to support you