Dear Williams students, faculty and staff,
Protest encampments on college and university campuses have recently captured national attention. We have reason to believe that some Williams students may be considering a comparable action here. At Williams, we encourage students to use their minds, and their voices, to develop and express views about the world. This includes a great deal of room for what gets labeled as “protest” or “activism.”
With that in mind, I want to take a moment to set out the relevant rules and expectations.
First, students are entitled to assemble and voice their views and concerns. This includes through encampments, which in and of themselves do not violate any college rule. As I noted last fall, I see the president’s primary job as ensuring educational opportunities that equip all students to study, explore and take constructive action. They must have ample room to express their ideas as part of that process.
We expect any student who uses their voice to do so within the broad guardrails of the Williams Code of Conduct. Actions that infringe on the rights of others may be subject to college disciplinary action. While I hope this will not be needed, I offer the following examples for the sake of transparency. The Code prohibits:
- Activities that prevent or inhibit academic life, college events, programs or workplace activities, including through the “heckler’s veto” or elevated sound levels.
- Activities that disrupt college operations, including by impeding access to buildings or spaces, blocking egress or damaging property.
- Finally, the safety of individuals and groups within our community is sacrosanct, and we will have no tolerance for harassment, threats or physical violence. This protection applies equally to those who are involved in activism and those who are not.
The Code’s section on disturbances and disruptions and the campus protest policy provide further details. If you have questions about those policies, please contact Dean of the College Gretchen Long.
I also want to acknowledge that personal responses to protest activities can vary enormously. Students, if you find yourself in need of support, please reach out to staff in the Chaplains’ Office, Integrative Wellbeing Services, the Dean of the College’s Office or the Davis Center, among other Williams offices.
Many faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members have shared strongly-held opinions with me about the causes of and responses to war in the Middle East. Our policies are intended to ensure that each person has the right to express their views, while preventing harassment, ensuring personal safety and allowing for the continued functioning of the college as a place where people learn, work and live. I thank everyone who shares our commitment to these ideals.
Sincerely,
Maud