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Dear É«½ç°É Community:

It’s been a challenging week on our campus. I want to reaffirm the College’s commitment to a safe and welcoming environment for all students and I have been consulting with faculty and student leaders to ensure that our response is thoughtful and consistent with our shared values and policies. I’ve heard concerns about events that have taken place on campus this week, and I am dedicated to continual learning and improvement.

Expectations for Demonstrations 

In following our mission to create an inclusive learning community, we must ensure that all students have access to a full educational experience. We welcome open discourse at É«½ç°É and that includes peaceful demonstrations. Students are encouraged to express themselves; to state, test, and challenge a variety of opinions; and to learn through this process of advocacy and community organizing. They are allowed to reserve spaces, congregate, hold signs, speak/chant, and host programming, among other rights listed in our policies.

They are not allowed to disrupt campus operations or interfere with others’ rights by blocking access to any common areas or pathways, using sound amplification devices, posting flyers and banners outside designated areas, erecting semi-permanent structures, or refusing to disperse or provide identification when instructed by College officials. Over the past three days, our staff members have witnessed numerous policy violations and asked the students to remedy these concerns several times. The Office of Student Conduct is working to identify the people involved and initiate conduct proceedings accordingly.

Campus Safety Presence and Related Reports

We know that tensions have been high, and to prepare for various events and evolving climate issues, there has been additional campus safety staffing and monitoring this week. We’ve heard reports of several incidents, including:

• Reports that demonstrators physically prevented two of our Campus Safety officers from promptly responding to an alert on a fire alarm panel in Swan Hall

• Reports that a guest speaker was asked to provide identification by one of our security guards

• Reports of discomfort with monitoring of potential policy violations and with the presence of security staffing in general

• Reports of confrontations among students, faculty, and staff 

• Reports of individuals feeling unsafe either due to the demonstrations involving policy violations or due to their interactions with safety officers

We believe it is important to reaffirm that all employees have a responsibility to fulfill their duties in a way that creates an inclusive environment. The College is reviewing and responding to reports of issues when received.

Campus Climate and Creating a Welcoming Environment

In addition to safety concerns, the College has also received several complaints about our campus climate. Our Civil Rights and Title IX Office is reviewing these complaints and reaching out to impacted individuals, as well as assessing the overall environment and recommending steps to prevent and address any potential harassment. We are also communicating with campus groups about our collective role in maintaining a respectful learning environment that encourages dialogue and understanding.

If you would like to any concerns or are interested in receiving support and getting connected to resources, we encourage you to contact the Civil Rights & Title IX Office (323-259-1338).

I understand that this week has been stressful for many of you, for a variety of reasons. I hope we can come together as a community, offering support to one another, recognizing our shared humanity, and fostering understanding.

Sincerely,
President Stritikus