Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
Earlier today, in Healy Hall, protesters disrupted university business, blocked a stairwell, and did not respond to multiple directives from officials to stop the disruption. The protesters had concealed their identities and refused to identify themselves after numerous directives from University officials. As a result, officials directed the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) to escort the protesters off campus.
Protesters were promptly removed from campus. University officials de-escalated the situation and conducted themselves in a civil manner throughout the incident. Georgetown will take appropriate action according to its policies, and any member of the Georgetown community who is identified and found to have violated University policy will face discipline.
Georgetown’s long-standing Speech and Expression policy protects the right of members of our community to free expression, dialogue and academic inquiry. It is, and will always be, our priority to provide for the needs of our community through civil and respectful dialogue. Our policy does not apply to uninvited members of the general public. When protesters cover their faces and refuse to identify themselves, they are assumed to be members of the general public.
We respect the rights of members of our community to express their personal views and are committed to maintaining the values of academic freedom and serving as a forum for the free exchange of ideas, even when those ideas may be controversial and objectionable to some. We respect diverse ideas and viewpoints from our community but expressive activity cannot interfere with the learning environment and university business.
Georgetown University strongly condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and hatred of any kind in our community. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, intimidation or threats of harm. We are deeply committed to fostering a safe community that respects the inherent dignity and shared humanity of each member of our community, promotes the free expression of ideas, and enables every member of our community to thrive.
Georgetown is committed to ensuring that all members of our community have a safe and welcoming place to learn and receive the support they need to do so. The vast majority of student activism on campus is peaceful and takes place without incident. We all have a responsibility to work together to foster a living learning community that is free of bias and geared toward thoughtful, respectful dialogue.
Sincerely,
Eleanor JB Daugherty
Vice President for Student Affairs
Erik M. Smulson
Vice President for Public Affairs