UH president stresses commitment to core values after U.S. election

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University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner shared a message on November 15 to students, faculty and staff of the UH campuses.

To our UH System ʻohana:

Many within our statewide UH community are concerned and disturbed after last week’s national election and uncertain over the directions our nation may take. It is at times like these that we need to remember and recommit to our core values.

We will not permit intolerance or harassment based on race, religion, immigration status, national origin, gender, LGBTQ+ status or disability. We take pride in being our nation’s most diverse university. We stand for aloha.

If you encounter intimidation or harassment around you, please report it to your campus authorities. If you feel threatened or experience difficulty coping, request help from your campus support staff or other qualified professionals. I’ll be working across the system to identify and communicate how we can better support those who may need assistance on our campuses.

This election revealed stark divisions among peoples’ views of problems and solutions. Now is a time for us to listen to one another. We achieve mutual understanding through the thoughtful and respectful exchange of viewpoints. We stand for free speech and free expression.

Many have expressed frustrations over the uneven impact of the economic recovery. But fewer seem to recognize that higher education is the single most important solution to equipping those who have been left behind. We stand for accessibility and excellence in higher education.

Our work is the foundation of a more positive, safe and successful future for our students, our communities and our planet. We will achieve success through our steadfast commitment to our core values and our support of one another.

Aloha,
David Lassner

Campus resources for faculty, staff and students

UH System

• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Title IX resources

UH Mānoa

• Office of Judicial Affairs
• Counseling and Student Development Center
• Department of Public Safety

UH Hilo

• Aʻoaʻo Pili Ola Counseling Services
• Campus Security

UH West Oʻahu

• Counseling Services
• Campus Security

Hawaiʻi Community College

• Counseling, Advising and Support Services
• Campus Security

Honolulu Community College

• Wellness Center
• Campus Security

Kapiʻolani Community College

• Confidential Space
• Campus Security

Kauaʻi Community College

• Mental Health Counseling
• Campus Security

Leeward Community College

• Counseling
• Campus Security

UH Maui College

• Personal Support Counseling
• Campus Security

Windward Community College

• Mental Health
• Campus Security