The university bears a responsibility for ensuring a safe environment for its students and guests, but the decision to cancel the commencement may prove short-sighted. It not only denies students and parents a cherished milestone, but it could also embolden protestors and potentially lead to more frequent and more volatile disruptions, thus further compromising campus safety. When protestors realize that they have the power to shut down or interrupt major events, why and where would they stop?
Universities need to make clear ground rules regarding protests and free expression. Written policies outlining repercussions for activities like squatting, disrupting classes, graffiti, or intimidation must be established and enforced promptly and decisively.
The rule-following students and their parents are not the ones who should be "punished".
It's a shame that students who had senior years ruined by covid policies now has to have their senior college year ruined by these protests. To have spent money for college and taken out loans in many cases to have it reduced to a huge disappointment is unforgivable.
The university bears a responsibility for ensuring a safe environment for its students and guests, but the decision to cancel the commencement may prove short-sighted. It not only denies students and parents a cherished milestone, but it could also embolden protestors and potentially lead to more frequent and more volatile disruptions, thus further compromising campus safety. When protestors realize that they have the power to shut down or interrupt major events, why and where would they stop?
Universities need to make clear ground rules regarding protests and free expression. Written policies outlining repercussions for activities like squatting, disrupting classes, graffiti, or intimidation must be established and enforced promptly and decisively.
The rule-following students and their parents are not the ones who should be "punished".
Right on!
It's a shame that students who had senior years ruined by covid policies now has to have their senior college year ruined by these protests. To have spent money for college and taken out loans in many cases to have it reduced to a huge disappointment is unforgivable.