What started as a peaceful protest this morning has now turned into a subset of individuals currently taking over Carnegie Hall and disrupting academic continuity.
Carnegie Hall is now closed, and all individuals should leave that building.
We do not believe there is a physical threat, however, please stay away from Carnegie and its immediate surrounding area, to ensure everyone’s safety.
We will not permit the presence of masked, unidentified individuals on our campus refusing to show identification when asked. Nor will we stand for the takeover of buildings and the disruption of academic continuity – all of which happened today. Anyone involved in this disruption is subject to disciplinary action.
To ensure academic continuity, students scheduled to have class in Carnegie Hall this afternoon should reach out to their professors for details on plans for their classes.
We ask that all faculty consider and determine what is the best choice for your class. Please keep in mind the importance of academic continuity and the need to preserve a learning environment free of discrimination or hostility. Please consider thoroughly the needs of all your students in making any decision around your classroom activity.
We uphold the right to free speech and to protest within the lines of our long-established Claremont Colleges demonstration policy. As always, peaceful protest is allowed within demonstration policy. This action goes beyond policy.
Respectfully,
Avis Hinkson, vice president for student affairs and dean of students
Jeff Roth, vice president, chief operating officer and treasurer
Y. Melanie Wu, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the college