Syracuse University officials addressed the university’s response to #NotAgainSU’s occupation of Crouse-Hinds Hall in a university-wide email Tuesday morning. 

Protesters who chose to remain in Crouse-Hinds after 9 p.m. were referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Keith Alford, chief diversity and inclusion officer, and Rob Hradsky, vice president for student experience, said in a university-wide email at 12:12 a.m.

As of 12:50 a.m., the protesters inside Crouse-Hinds were officially placed on interim suspension, according to letters from the Department of Public Safety. 

#NotAgainSU, a Black student-led movement, began an occupation of Crouse-Hinds Hall Monday at noon. The group has protested the SU administration’s response to at least 26 racist, anti-Semitic, or bias-related incidents that have occurred at or near SU since early November. 

The university has worked to engage students in constructive dialogue over the past few months, the email said. The administration continued trying to engage students on Monday during #NotAgainSU’s occupation of Crouse-Hinds Hall, it said.

“For more than nine hours, several University leaders, the two of us included, worked to engage these students in a productive and respectful manner,” Hradsky and Alford said in the email. “However, a continued unwillingness by some to engage constructively, along with changing demands, challenge our collective forward progress.”

University officials informed student protesters that they were welcome to protest during the building’s hours of operation, which are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., the email said. The protesters later declined an invitation to relocate to Bird Library, which is open for 24 hours, it said. 

“Though we continue to support peaceful demonstration and the free and respectful exchange of ideas, at this time, we must enforce established policies that help maintain an environment that fosters sensitivity, understanding and respect,” the email said. 

SU has made progress in addressing issues of climate, safety, curriculum, multicultural living, health and wellness, and anti-bias training over the last several months, the email said. The university has shared this progress through social media and regular emails to students, as well as through one-on-one and small group conversations, it said.

Hradsky and Alford referenced the SU Board of Trustees Special Committee on University Climate, Diversity and Inclusion. The committee has hosted 20 dialogue sessions with students, faculty and staff, the email said.   

Published on February 18, 2020 at 1:41 am

Contact Chris: cjhippen@syr.edu