The below message was sent to undergraduate students on Oct. 31, 2023.
Dear Students,
A Bryn Mawr community where every student feels respected, valued, and safe is core to living our College mission. In pursuit of this vision, we felt it important to share the following information. Beginning Saturday afternoon, a set of posters and flyers were put up throughout campus in violation of our posting policy. As a result, they were removed.
We remind all students that expressions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate speech are antithetical to the College’s ideals and harm individuals and our community as a whole. These actions are unacceptable. Students who post any form of hate speech may be brought before a Dean’s Panel for violating the Honor Code, which states,
“We recognize that acts of discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to, acts of racism, homophobia, classism, ableism, and discrimination against religious and political minorities are devoid of respect and therefore, by definition, violate this code.”
We respect the right of all students to hold and share divergent political and social perspectives, providing the expression of these beliefs does not violate the Honor Code. Such expressions must also adhere to College posting policies that are designed to create accountability and offer pathways for dialogue. The open sharing of ideas and encouragement of activism and advocacy are basic tenets of an educational institution like Bryn Mawr.
It is essential, however, that as we seek to share our perspectives and to foster greater understanding of sometimes widely differing viewpoints, we each consider the impact our words and deeds have on others. An awareness of our actions (impact versus intent) is necessary to support community life and well-being. The many messages being communicated on campus via flyers and social media have not only expressed deep beliefs but in some cases, have created great pain.
As our community continues to grieve the historic and ongoing suffering and loss of life in Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East region, we urge all members of the community to extend themselves in understanding and kindness toward one another. If any member of our community feels unsafe or needs additional support, please reach out to the many people on campus who are here to support you.
Sincerely,
Kim Cassidy
President
Karlene Burrell-McRae
Dean of the Undergraduate College
Tomiko Jenkins
Dean of Student Life
A.T. Ortíz
Associate Dean for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Life