Wednesday afternoon at the University Council meeting, Penn President Amy Gutmann issued the following statement:

This Presidential campaign was one of the most bitter, divisive and hurtful in American history. Whoever won, millions of people were going to be terribly troubled by the results. The American people have now voted, and it is our duty to respect the outcome. Regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation or citizenship, everyone needs to be heard and respected. I fervently believe that the diversity of America and its welcoming heart make this country great.

It is my hope that ideals that we hold dear at Penn­—inclusion, civic engagement and constructive dialogue—will guide our nation's new administration, and that they will work hard to ensure opportunity, peace and prosperity for every person and every group that together form the diverse mosaic of the United States.

As a diverse university community committed to values of inclusiveness and open expression, we have the opportunity to draw strength from each other, listen to and support each other, and work constructively to address the complex and divisive issues facing our country and our world.

We realize that this is an already stressful time of the semester. We have met with our undergraduate deans, and are reaching out to our graduate deans as well, to ensure our academic leadership in the schools is in communication with our faculties, so that they are conscious of the challenges some of our students are facing, and so that we can help provide all our students with the resources they need. Please know that colleagues in resource centers and offices continue to offer support, including the Vice Provost for University Life, the Chaplain and the Vice Provost for Education.

—Vincent Price, Provost
—Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, Vice Provost for University Life
—Beth Winkelstein, Vice Provost for Education