‘[I]t’s essential that all members feel valued and respected’
The president of Chicago’s Roosevelt University has backtracked after sending a campus-wide email ripping Donald Trump voters as “divisive” and “romanticizing the past.”
Following Trump’s election on November 5, Ali Malekzadeh wrote “Like many of you, I am discouraged by the final results and disheartened that many voters selected a candidate who casts aside unity and empathy in favor of divisiveness and fear,” Campus Reform reports.
Malekzadeh (pictured) decried the “alarming trend” of not “welcom[ing] new immigrants,” “romanticizing the past” instead of “look[ing] forward,” and moving away from “reinforc[ing] democratic norms.”
He added Roosevelt will remain committed to social justice, the “worth of every individual,” and “American democracy.”
However, after Campus Reform asked Malekzadeh for comment about his message, Roosevelt staff and students got another email from the president apologizing for the first one.
“I received feedback from some members of our community that my last communique regarding the election made them feel unwelcome,” Malekzadeh wrote. “I deeply apologize.”
Malekzadeh added “Our University’s commitment to social justice and diversity remains unwavering, and it’s essential that all members feel valued and respected, regardless of differing views. Let me reaffirm my personal commitment to practice our cherished values and urge all of us to do the same.”
Following Trump’s victory, Roosevelt offered a “Post-Election Calm Space” at the Gender Justice Center’s “Diversity and Inclusion Lounge” where “coloring pages, crafts, snacks, and stim toys” were available to help students “stay grounded.”
The Calm Space event summary reads “No matter the outcome everyone has feelings about the election. Whether you want to debrief in groups or step away to a quiet place, your feelings are valid. Roosevelt staff will support you.”
According to his Roosevelt U. biography, Malekzadeh is “passionate about women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, [and] affirmative action.” One of his “signature accomplishments” is the annual “American Dream Reconsidered Conference” which has featured SCOTUS Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
MORE: Coloring, puppets, crafts: Elite universities prep students for election results
IMAGE: Roosevelt U.
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