A Message to Students From Governor Spencer Cox

Video Transcript

“I know this past week has been incredibly tough. We’ve all felt the weight of anger, fear, and loss. And I want to take just a moment to speak directly to you, students throughout Utah. Right now, it may feel like rage is the only language in our politics, but you have the power to choose differently. Every person you meet is more than a party, more than a label, more than a post online. Everyone deserves dignity and respect. That means talking to people you disagree with, listening even when it’s hard, and forgiving even when it feels impossible. Campuses like yours must be a place of the free exchange of ideas. It’s critical to our American experiment. I want to challenge you to spend less time online, where outrage has become so normal, and more time in the real world. Put down your phone. Read something that lifts your spirit.

Go outside, laugh with your friends. Serve your neighbors. Remember, what happens online is not real life. And if you’re wondering whether this can actually make a difference, just look around. Utahns lead the nation in service, in giving, in community. When tragedy struck this past week, there weren’t riots or destruction. There were vigils, prayers, and people coming together. That’s the Utah way. Your generation can carry that forward. You can build a culture where we embrace differences without letting hate divide us, where hope is stronger than cynicism, and where forgiveness breaks the cycle of violence. My friends and Utahns, this is our moment. The question is, do we escalate or do we walk down the better path? My prayer is that you will choose humanity, connection, and love, and I believe with all my heart that you will.”