As the war in the Middle East continues, there has been a surge of antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in communities around the globe and online. This message is a reminder to the campus of the College’s commitment to freedom of expression and rigorous inquiry and, at the same time, our responsibility to uphold policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our entire campus. To be clear, discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national or ethnic origin and religion (among other protections) are prohibited, and all members of the campus community are expected to uphold community commitments.
Campus resources
This is a difficult time, and we know many are struggling with a wide range of thoughts and feelings that can cause or exacerbate stress and affect individual well-being. We also have been told that many on our campus wish to be in community with one another and provide care and support to friends and colleagues.
As a reminder, students should review this web page of resources for safety, care and support from Student Life and other campus partners. Faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program at 888-881-5462.
All incidents of bias or community insensitivity should be sent directly to the Department of Public Safety and Service and/or to the Bias Education Support Team. You can do so either directly or via the College’s Bias Incident Report form.
In addition, please continue to watch the campus events calendar and other campus communications (Dean’s Corner, Word Out, MHC This Week) for ongoing programming.
Students, a reminder of special resources available to you:
- Know Your Neighbor is a weekly program where students have the opportunity to talk about their own experiences of faith, culture and identity and to hear from others with different experiences to their own in a comfortable, supportive space.
- Students seeking spiritual and faith-based support can contact the chaplains and advisors of the Office of Community and Belonging by appointment for spiritual companionship, individual support and faith and spiritual services/rituals or vigils, programs and events.
- A new Grief Processing Group, providing a safe space for healing and connection, will meet each Tuesday evening from 6-7 pm and will be facilitated and supported by an experienced licensed counselor.
Campus engagement policies
This communication also summarizes our policies that relate to engagement, protest and demonstrations on campus. Our posting policy clearly states all signs need to “include the identifying name/affiliation of the sponsor of the materials and a contact for more information.” The policy also prohibits posters in certain locations for safety reasons, such as glass doors, or other surfaces such as lamp posts and painted walls. Our chalking policy also requires a signatory. It limits chalking to asphalt roads and walkways. Please continue to be respectful to those campus community members who are charged with upholding these policies as they remove signage.
The College will continue to share and enforce policies that preserve both freedom of expression and the safety and security of our campus community.
