Update on campus protests
Dear members of the Colgate community:
As you are no doubt aware, the recent deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in New York have brought issues of race and privilege to the fore and inspired protests. Our Colgate community also has struggled to make sense of these events, engaging in important discussions across campus. Several students have expressed feelings of pain, anger, and sadness about the deaths, and, mirroring events held elsewhere, have staged protests here. Messages of “Black lives matter,” and “I can’t breathe” have been posted on windows and white boards, and by writing similar messages on the American flag, our own students and others across the country have highlighted other important civic issues.
The right to protest is a sacred and fundamental privilege of every American, even when such expression causes discomfort or respectful disturbance. However, here on campus, the present “debate” over the use of the flag has superseded the main issue of respect for human life. The threatening and violent statements that have been articulated in person and posted on social media are always unacceptable and are against the law, and such actions will be vigorously investigated and adjudicated through Colgate’s conduct process and outside law enforcement.
In times such as these, we must treat others’ concerns with the utmost seriousness. Especially when we disagree, we must take the time to listen to each other, and recognize not only our differences, but also our common feelings and desires. Above all, we should respect one another.
Finally, as we begin the final week of classes and prepare for exams, we hope you will remember that we care deeply for Colgate and for each of you. If you feel the need for support, please use one of many resources available on campus or reach out to friends, colleagues, faculty, staff — or to us. We all share a common goal for Colgate: that this be a place where people can and do freely contest ideas of justice and injustice, in a peaceful, civil manner that is emblematic of a liberal education.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Herbst, President
Douglas Hicks, Provost and Dean of the Faculty
Suzy Nelson, Dean of the College