My Reflection on the 2016 Election

November 18, 2016

After this election, I have been in much reflection and meditation about the current state
of our student population. I have seen and heard the stories and experiences of students,
particularly from marginalized identities, that have been hurt by this election season. I want to
reassure the student body that I will do anything in my power to make sure your concerns are
heard and that your Student Government continues to represent you all in the best way we can.
For most of my life, I have been afraid. I have thought about the work that needs to be
done on this campus and our nation and found that I can no longer remain silent or complacent
on many of these issues. I have been silent for most of my life, and without sharing my story, I
cannot make a change. I cannot be silent any longer.
I share a similar story with a significant population of this country. More specifically, I
share this story with the over 11 million undocumented immigrants living in this country who are
now living in a State of Urgency and Resilience. As an undocumented immigrant, I have hidden
in the shadows of American society while at the same time dedicating so much to it. Last week I
was afraid and I still carry that fear, but the panic and unease I saw in so many students on our
campus and around the nation has moved me to act and fight for our most basic human rights. I
should not have to feel afraid any longer.
I want to ensure you all that although there has been much uncertainty in my life, the only
thing that will remain certain is my dedication to help others and my pledge to protect, promote,
and serve the Seattle University students to the best of my abilities.
I want us to find healing in the coming months and hope that we can find a way to make
our campus inclusive for those in our community. I also want to make it clear- the Student
Government of Seattle University will not tolerate any acts of racism, sexism, bigotry, or
xenophobia and will fight injustices through the power given to us by our mission and values.
Attached you will find a letter, approved by the elected representatives you have chosen,
regarding the 2016 Presidential Election.
With love and care,

____________________
Carlos Rodriguez
Your Undocumented, Unafraid, and Unapologetic Student Body President

To the Seattle University community,

This past week has been full of reflection, emotions, and discernment for all of us.
In light of last Tuesdays results of the 2016 United States Presidential election, Student
Government of Seattle University would like to reflect and discuss ways of moving forward. We
recognize that marginalized communities have historically faced harm, discrimination, and
violence, and we must be aware of the consistent threat and endangerment that they all continue
to experience. It is important to acknowledge the continued existence of hate crimes and violence
in the United States directed towards people who have historically been marginalized by society.
SGSU wholeheartedly denounces these actions.
In the last two years, and especially in the last week and a half since the election, there
has been an increase in violence against people of color, women of color, Muslims, Latinx folk,
LGBTQIA+ folk, and people with disabilities, amongst many other marginalized groups. It is
imperative that we not only recognize this, but actively fight against it. SGSU will never
condone the hate that is being validated in todays world. If you see any sort of violence on or off
campus, we encourage you to report it to the Department of Public Safety or Seattle Police
Department. Additionally, we encourage students to take advantage of any accessible on-campus
resources beyond SGSU that match each persons individual level of comfort, such as Health and
Wellness Crew (HAWC), Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), Counseling and Psychological
Services (CAPS), Office of Institutional Equity, and/or Survivor Support Network (SSN). These
acts of violence are unacceptable. They have contributed to the instillation of fear within these
aforementioned communities, and we must not invalidate the feelings of fear from any individual
within them.
One way of helping combat this violence is by recognizing our privilege, being both an
active listener to those directly affected by the outcome of the election, and being an ally who
stands behind marginalized folks as part of a compassionate support system. It is crucial that
students understand each individuals stake(s) in todays social climate. We are currently living
in a very divisive world. As a community, we must always uphold Seattle Universitys mission
statement in striving towards a just and humane world.
SGSU is currently working on strengthening rights and resources for undocumented
students, as well as continuing conversations about racism, sexism, ableism, phobias, and other
forms of hate on this campus. Representatives are striving to seek visibility for veterans and aid
for adult learners. We are working towards building better awareness of sexual assault on and off
college campuses, and are striving to establish student-involved programs that explore the

complexities of climate change and efforts that we as a body can make to help sustain our global
environment. Additionally, we are working towards creating sanctuary spaces at Seattle
University that provide room for reflection, dialogue, and/or discernment. These spaces will be
used to combat hate and threats on our campus and in our community.
We encourage the Seattle University community to continue carrying critical
conversations about the state of our country with others, both on and off campus. Including
SGSU, we must all do a better job at advocating for what we believe in, and holding dialogues
with both like- and unlike-minded folks about the current issues within our society.
We wish to acknowledge that, as your elected representatives, we are here to help and
support you in any way possible, regardless of your political identification. We will continue to
provide spaces and resources that allow you to process anything you need to move forward
within your own community and others, so that we can all act in unity. We encourage students to
stay vigilant and active with any and all causes that they are passionate about. Advocate for the
causes, communities, and concerns that your vote represents.
As we move forward with compassion for everyone, we encourage all students to have an
open perspective when it comes to other peoples emotions, thoughts, and/or political stances.
We at SGSU would like to reiterate that we are here as resources for you. We will continue to be
active listeners for each student on this campus, and will continue to provide inclusive spaces for
open dialogue, and freedom of expression and thoughts. Additionally, we encourage you all to
do the same for each other, as well as yourselves. Tensions are high universally, and its
important that we take care of ourselves and each other.
In unity, solidarity, and love,
The 2016-17 Student Government of Seattle University

____________________
Carlos Rodriguez
Student Body President