A reminder of our responsibility to ensure that campus events and operations are able to proceed without disruption and in accordance with the College鈥檚 Right to Dissent and Demonstration Policy.
Dear 日本无码 Community,
Many of us are waking up each day to increasingly heartbreaking and unsettling news, both from around the world and from our own communities. A student recently wrote to me about the deep pain they feel, torn between witnessing the harm being inflicted on the world and the expectation placed on their generation to step forward and heal it鈥攁n expectation that feels not only heavy, but unjust. I, too, feel that weight鈥攖he sorrow and anger of watching injustice unfold and the knowledge that the burden is falling to all of you and that it will also fall to my own children to confront and carry. It is not an easy thing to bear. Many of us in leadership, both here and at institutions across the country, are struggling with these same overwhelming tensions, challenges and uncertainty.
日本无码 fully supports your right to express your views and engage in peaceful protest. We will continue to support and vigorously defend your right to do so; but I must once again restate that we have a responsibility to ensure that campus events and operations are able to proceed without disruption and in accordance with the College鈥檚 Right to Dissent and Demonstration Policy.
What Happened?
Yesterday, on Thursday, April 10, a demonstration took place that disrupted both an Admitted Student Visitor event as well as a regularly scheduled faculty meeting. About 40 masked protesters followed admitted students and their families from the Quad to Cannon Plaza, where admitted students and their families were gathered for lunch. While protesters did not try to enter the space due to clear boundaries, they restricted access to and from the event, necessitating repeated requests to clear pathways so guests could use restrooms and enter and exit the space unimpeded. Some protesters also insisted that guests accept or decline flyers while making it difficult to navigate the crowded areas. Amplified sound also impacted the event. Some families reported feeling intimidated and asked to be removed from the venue through alternative exits.
Shortly thereafter, protesters moved to Lower Herrick and disrupted a faculty meeting, causing it to end prematurely. Once again, there were several violations of College policy including interference with College sponsored events, use of sound amplification, impeding access to a College activity, failure to comply with the directives of a campus official, and event space usage policies.
Additionally, individuals who publicly identified themselves as non-students鈥攁nd who were masked鈥攚ere present and intermingling with our student community. One masked individual wore a shirt with language that was highly offensive and targeted a specific identity group.
Why Does This Matter?
The deliberate disruption of an Admissions event and a faculty meeting may be intended to pressure decision-makers around topics like divestment and immigration policy. As an enrollment dependent institution, disruptions like these can have serious impacts both now and in the future. This affects our ability to recruit and retain students, hire and support outstanding faculty and staff, secure federal financial aid funding, and sustain key student and academic programs.
The disruption of the faculty meeting prevented a discussion about how best to support a campus climate that promotes student belonging and satisfaction, a Q&A around concerns about international travel for green card and visa holders, and a presentation about educational approaches to academic integrity. Faculty missed the opportunity to engage in these critical conversations, and those scheduled to present were unable to share the thoughtful work they had prepared.
It is also concerning that unidentified, non-community members might be engaging in policy violations as well. The presence of individuals who are not part of our campus community creates a sense of vulnerability and unease for students, faculty, and staff. It also complicates efforts to maintain a safe and accountable environment, as we cannot rely on established community norms or relationships of trust.
Balancing Expression & Community Care
We are navigating the challenging tension between supporting our students鈥 right to free expression while also caring for those in our community who feel especially vulnerable right now. We are also mindful of how public attention--especially when drawn by disruptions--can heighten risk and threaten the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and faculty. These are not easy tensions to hold, and we carry them with care.
Campus Student Conduct
Due to these policy violations, students and student organizations have been identified as having violated our 鈥淩ight to Dissent and Demonstration鈥 policy and have been referred to the Office of Student Conduct for review. Photos and videos from the demonstration are also being reviewed to identify others who have participated in policy violations. Conduct investigations are already in progress regarding a similar event in March, and those who are found to have repeatedly violated policies may face disciplinary action for multiple offenses.
We encourage any students or community members who have information or concerns about these events to reach out to our offices of Student Conduct or Civil Rights and Title IX for support. Anyone whose actions may be creating a hostile environment might also be referred to the Civil Rights & Title IX Office.
The College is looking into additional steps that may be needed to maintain a balance between community interests and ensure accountability.
Moving Forward Together
We will stand behind students鈥 right to speak out and express themselves鈥攕o long as it is in alignment with campus policies and does not negatively impact members of our community or the college as a whole. As always, our staff in Student Affairs and SLICE remain dedicated to partnering with you and your organizations to ensure that your voices are heard while also helping you plan events that respect one another and keep campus programs running smoothly. We also stand behind our many students who wish to be able to access their campus and education without fear, coercion, or disruption.
Sincerely,
Vivian Garay Santiago
Dean of Students Office