WINONA, Minn. – The president of Winona State, Scott Olson, said the university was monitoring events in Washington with concern. While mobs were over-running he U.S. Capitol, Olson issued a statement reminding campus people that the university is “full-throated in our commitment to the democratic process and the U.S. Constitution.” Pro-Trump mobs stormed the Capitol in the afternoon while both houses were counting electoral college votes from the November election. Every member of Congress was evacuated from Senate and House chambers. In his statement, Scott restated Winona State’s reputation as encouraging voting and being committed to American democracy.
Verbatim
Olson: “Our campus supports free and fair elections as a proud American tradition. As stated in our Free Speech Values Statement*, we proudly protect the freedoms of conscience, expression, association, and peaceful assembly as set forth in the laws and Constitution of the United States. We emphatically reject threats and violence—from any point on the political spectrum—as completely contrary to law, as well as contrary to our mission and values.”