Dear Panthers,
We are in a pivotal time in our country’s history. Facing pressing social, racial, global, and political issues, we are engaging in conversations that are powerful, passionate, and challenging in nature to discuss. We are committed to an environment that supports freedom of expression and civil discourse.
I ask each of you to listen to one another, share ideas, engage in respectful debate and remember that everyone has a right to be heard.
We respect all perspectives and support our Constitution’s First Amendment, including the freedom of speech—that is, the right to express one’s opinions and ideas.
Let me make this clear—freedom of speech at Adelphi does not protect discrimination, which is prohibited by our University’s Anti‐Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy. And bullying, threatening, or intimidating is prohibited by our Code of Conduct.
Again, I ask each of you to express your opinions and ideas in a thoughtful, respectful and mature manner.
Peaceful Demonstrations on Campus
We’ve been asked by many passionate students, faculty and staff about the process for holding peaceful demonstrations on campus to promote awareness and activism for righteous causes.
We fully support our community members’ right of expression, allowing safe and nondisruptive engagements in peaceful, productive activism.
Additionally, gatherings in this election season must abide by social distancing, state-mandated attendance restrictions and requirements for personal protective equipment brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting the health and safety of our community.
To plan a peaceful demonstration at Adelphi, organizers should:
- Make advance arrangements with the Division of Student Affairs: A completed Demonstration Reservation Form is required at least 24 business hours before the event, helping facilitate the demonstration’s smooth operations with the full support of Student Affairs and Public Safety.
- Take steps to educate participants about the University’s Demonstration Policy and other applicable University policies, including COVID-19 prevention measures. Any disorderly or unsafe conduct should be immediately reported to Public Safety.
Peaceful demonstrations may be planned by:
- A recognized Adelphi student organization
- A group of Adelphi students or a current individual Adelphi student
- Faculty or staff members
I recognize that these gatherings may invite counterdemonstrations by community members with opposing points of view. When these occasions arise, the freedom of expression and respect for all parties is critical for upholding civil discourse.
For more information, review Adelphi’s Demonstration Policy.
Questions?
As we continue to navigate a challenging time for our country, I remind you all of your duties as members of the Adelphi community to be civil, safe and respectful.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or a member of our team at divisionofstudentaffairs@
Sincerely,
