This is an exciting time for the Winona community, as we feel the energy and enthusiasm ramping up in the 2024 election season. Political campaigns are well-known to inspire everything from passion to indignation, as candidates seek engagement with voters on different issues and agendas.
Recently, political campaign materials have surfaced featuring the Winona State logo, along with photos of our mascot and members of the Winona State community. As we navigate this election season together, I think it’s important to engage in a broader conversation about the university’s role in society and our commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment.
It is crucial to emphasize that Winona State University does not and cannot endorse any political candidate. We remain strictly nonpartisan in all matters related to elections.
As a public institution, Winona State receives funding from the state legislature to serve the educational needs of the citizens of Minnesota. Our mission leads us to serve students from all walks of life and all political affiliations, and we are committed to creating a space where ideas can be exchanged freely, and debated civilly, respectfully and peacefully.
Winona State is a public campus, and all candidates for public office are welcome. Events held on our campus provide valuable opportunities for candidates to learn about and connect with our campus and local communities – the very people they wish to serve.
The assistance and advocacy of elected officials helps Winona State to foster the next generation of high-quality graduates for the businesses and industries of Southeastern Minnesota and the Midwest region. We appreciate the many legislators – from both sides of the political aisle – who hold Winona State in high esteem and help us to carry out our mission.
All this to say: We value all candidates’ support for Winona State, and we invite their engagement with our events and our community. We ask that any use of our logos or representation of Winona State – whether in photos, videos, or other media – be done with care and respect for the nonpartisanship Winona State University must uphold as a public institution.
We thank all candidates for their efforts in serving the public, and wish them the best during this election season.