Dear Williams community,
Yesterday afternoon, students involved in the encampment disassembled their tents and ended their presence on the Williams Quad.
Later this month, the Board of Trustees will meet with representatives from the protest to hear their perspective on the issues that motivated their actions. That meeting will coincide with the Board’s review of the upcoming report and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Shareholder Responsibility. As I explained in a previous all-campus email, the session will be similar in character to other opportunities that the Trustees extend to students, as part of their interest in and concern for campus life. We anticipate a follow-up discussion with the students next fall, before the late September Board meeting.
In a year when personal, political and moral commitments are being tested, I have seen our diverse community members—including people in the encampment, and people who question or oppose it—try to engage with each other across differences, looking for ways to exchange views without trading insults. None of us does this perfectly, but the Williams community as a whole continues to impress me with its focus, thoughtfulness and desire for mutual respect.
I wish you all the best in the remaining days of the semester, and I look forward to celebrating with the Class of 2024 and their families and friends at Commencement.
Maud