Policy on Political Activity

To the Skidmore Community:

Now that the first presidential debate has taken place, we have entered into the most public segment of a lengthy campaign season. In fact, the election is six weeks from today. We have witnessed strong opinions during this political season and anticipate that this will continue.

I write to remind you that we do have a College policy on Political Activity, which I encourage you to review at this weblink.

Our policy was developed by students, staff, and faculty members. In reviewing it, you will see that its underlying essence is a call for us to be wise, measured, and respectful of opinions that differ from our own. Please refer to this Policy when thinking about any political activity that you or your organization may plan to undertake.

As a liberal arts college, we greatly prize freedom of expression, and we also value, and expect, that we honor and learn from diverse schools of thought.

You have likely seen advertised the impressive array of activities and events that are being held right here on campus this fall.  I encourage you to visit the exhibit A More Perfect Union at the Frances M. Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, which is providing a "town square" hub of activities and events. For example, more than 330 community members attended a "Debate Watch Party" last night at the Tang. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, filmmaker, and media publisher Jose Antonio Vargas will be at the Tang tomorrow night to talk about immigration policy and the presidential election. And on Monday, October 10, Alexander Heffner, host of the PBS show The Open Mind, will moderate a dialogue with Republican Congressman Chris Gibson and Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko entitled "What Ever Happened to Compromise?"

A full listing of related events coming up on campus may be found here. If you have an upcoming event and would like to add it to the list, please let us know.

As we head toward Tuesday, November 8, I encourage you to participate in the election process and to find positive ways to make your opinion known that lead to greater understanding and exchange in a respectful manner. Thank you.