A message from President Maxey to Roanoke College students regarding the upcoming election

Dear Maroons -

“If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”

— T. S. Eliot

I shared this quote during an all-staff meeting earlier this month. It felt appropriate at a time when the weighty feeling of powerlessness that this pandemic presents seemed to warrant a few simple words to uplift and encourage.

That feeling of loss of influence, of voice, of power, has consumed many of us. But next week, most of us can claim some of that power when we exercise our right to vote.

Mrs. Maxey and I voted early, a few days ago. It felt good to claim some power and cast a vote.

Voting. Felt. Good. And I want to remind all of you who are able, to vote this election season.

November 3, 2020 — Election Day — comes at a time when emotions are high and nerves have been tested, understandably, as we watch the wrestling to control the narrative, with undue reliance on sources of disinformation and inflammatory rhetoric.

We have all seen the results — the deep divisions in our country. Civil debate (the sharing of views respectfully and thoughtfully), at one time a more favored practice than what I see today, seems close to extinguished. I know we can do better at learning this important skill for democracy. 

Remember that civil discourse is a bedrock value at Roanoke College. We learn at Roanoke by listening to and considering ideas on their merit. We are a community committed to open discourse and civil debate as ways of preparing for service in the world. The College's learning goals focus on developing a student's confident sense of freedom in the world and a sense of purpose in using that freedom.

I ask all of us to remember our key tenets, our pillars, amidst the election this year. Pursuing truth, contributing to community, serving others and doing your best can help guide all of us, but especially in an election year.

So, deftly sift through all the noise coming at you, rise above the chaos and resist thoughts of drowning in something you think is out of your control. Resist fighting with someone who has a different opinion than your own.

You know how tall you are.

I close with words from David Ignatius, novelist and columnist for The Washington Post who spoke at Roanoke College on Feb. 19 about civil discourse and democracy. When asked what the near-future holds for this nation, he replied: “I’m hopeful. We know what civil discourse is like. We know the value it embodies.”

“If you don’t like what happens in our democracy, you have the ability to change it.”

I ask all of us to treasure our college community in this season. Let’s rise above COVID-19. Be curious about the opinions of others. Agree or disagree respectfully as we head toward this election. Those actions are important for us as a college community. Our democracy needs the Roanoke College Maroons contribution to the greater community. 

Please remember to make a plan to vote!

Sincerely,

President Michael C. Maxey