midterms – Roth on Wesleyan

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, many have come to recognize that the elections on November 8 can have an important impact on how women are able to access reproductive health care across the land. Some candidates aim to impose total bans on abortion, and others want to leave the choice entirely in the hands of the pregnant person and their doctor. As a university president, it is not my role to tell people what to think about the complexities of this issue. But it is my role to remind Wesleyans of the importance of learning about the issue and of participating in public discussions of it.

In this regard, I’d like to remind everyone of a campus event sponsored by FGSS and Wesleyan Reproductive Advocacy & Legislation this Thursday, October 20 at noon in Judd Hall, room 116. Faculty and students will gather to discuss their views on access to reproductive health care.

I’d also like to remind everyone that it’s not too late to apply for mini-grants to support work on political campaigns and voter registration efforts. Learn more about the JCCP Political Engagement Fund and apply online.

I was in North Carolina this week, talking about civic engagement at Duke and at the University of North Carolina. At Duke, I met with faculty and students who have been part of the Sanford School of Public Policy and DukeEngage, programs that promote student learning through practices in the public sphere. At UNC I was part of a panel on civic engagement and intellectual diversity, subjects about which I’ve often written.

What really came home to me when I was talking with students, teachers and other community members was just how important these midterm elections are. There are people on the ballot in North Carolina and elsewhere around the country who are determined to change the rules of democracy so as to cement power and privilege to prevent further democratic change. This means people who will restrict voting rights, roll back gains made by women and minorities, and undermine the basic freedoms that are essential to our educational and electoral systems. All elections matter, but these midterms are crucial.

That’s why we are promoting mini-grants for students who want to travel to states where there are especially competitive races. You can get travel funds to work over Fall Break in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida… Wherever you think you can make a difference for the candidate or ballot measure of your choice. Who or what you support, of course, is entirely up to you.

Please have a plan to vote on November 8, and let’s do what we can to help others make their voices heard.

What’s On the Ballot? Reproductive Health Care

Elections in a Month – What’s On the Ballot? Democracy