Posted at 1:55 p.m. on Thursday, November 21.
We received an unsigned notice through our Events Notification System that a group of about 75 participants intends to protest between 5 pm and 7 pm on November 21st in the 4th floor lobby of the International Affairs Building, followed by a march through campus.
Given that there are 448 registered students in 13 classrooms on the 4th floor at that time, this notice raised serious concerns that the proposed demonstration would interfere with the ongoing academic activity in that location and therefore create the possibility of a violation of the Rules of University Conduct. Over the past several days there has been broad consultation with University leaders, members of the University Senate, Public Safety, and students to determine how we could provide logistical support in a way that would permit engagement in free expression while guaranteeing the safety of our campus community and maintaining our academic mission without disruption.
It is our understanding that the protest may now take place outside of the International Affairs Building at the designated time. This significantly reduces concerns about campus safety and academic disruption. Delegates will be on site to remind and advise participants of the Rules and potential violations. Should participants gather in IAB, they will be directed to an outside location to ensure there is no safety concern or academic disruption.
Our objective for this advance communication to the community and potential protest participants is to ensure that the safety of our campus community is preserved, that academic activities can proceed uninterrupted, and that our students can engage in free expression consistent with the University's rules and policies.
