Uniting, Not Dividing

April 24, 2019

To all members of the Trinity Campus Community,

As we come to the close of the spring semester, I want to share with you my belief that in the Trinity community there is more that unites us than divides us as students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni of this great institution. Over the last month, we have held difficult conversations on controversial topics that are challenging everywhere—not just at Trinity, not just on college campuses, but seemingly in every arena of our society.

As an educational institution—with a foundation built on academic freedom and freedom of expression and inquiry—we embrace this important work and the opportunity it provides to nurture a learning environment that values differences and seeks debate and discussion. Where else should these debates occur, if not here? These debates help us define our differences and find our common ground, and while they may not always end in agreement, they advance our understanding of each other. I am proud to be a member of such a community, and I ask you to join me in remembering our values statement: Bold learners. Inclusive Community. Engaged Citizens. When conversations are difficult, we must find ways to live our values.

Next Thursday, May 2nd, in lieu of my Town Hall, I, along with other members of Cabinet, will engage in small group discussions to listen to each other respectfully and continue to forge our plans for the summer and fall to focus on how we create a more supportive campus climate for all, inside and outside of the classroom.

Sincerely,

Joanne Berger-Sweeney
President and Trinity College Professor of Neuroscience