We were informed recently of several alarming, hateful, and targeted anti-Muslim and Islamophobic statements posted anonymously on a social media platform. We have followed up with members of our community and are investigating the reports.   

These anonymous posts and the platforms that support them have become breeding grounds for hate and discrimination. Cowardly individuals hide behind them to terrorize our community members. The anonymity makes it difficult to investigate, identify the individuals responsible, or hold them accountable.    

We will not allow the use of campus resources to support these anonymous platforms and the targeted bullying, harassment, and hate they facilitate. For these reasons, we have begun the process of removing access to the social media platforms that support anonymous posting from our campus network. Please note, this effort will take several days to complete.    

College campuses have long been sites of protest. CC is no different. Engaging in free expression is vital to a healthy democracy and to the liberal arts.  Our time, place, and manner restrictions allow us to balance this freedom with protecting the safety of our community and the learning environment.  

When determining how best to respond to any demonstration or disruption on campus, our number-one priority is the safety and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff.  Use of force is a last resort for us, as the college emphasizes dialogue and de-escalation over confrontation and coercion. 

On Friday, we sent a message to CC parents and families addressing campus demonstrations and the tents constructed on Tava Quad. You can view that message here.    

We recognize it can be extremely difficult to navigate school, campus life, and the workplace during times of crisis. Students and employees are encouraged to access support through the Counseling Center, 24/7 Mental Health Support, the Chaplain’s Office, the Ombuds Office, the CARE Team, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and to use CC’s confidential reporting resources if they experience or witness harassment, discrimination, or threats of violence.   

Even during these deeply challenging times, we remember our shared humanity and values, and we draw strength from them. At Colorado College we believe that we can disagree civilly and respectfully, without vilifying others who do not share our point of view. We believe that while disagreement can create deep discomfort and concern, it is also essential for learning.   We believe our community can and will work through conflict and heal together. None of this has been or will be easy.  We have faith that our community is up to the challenge. Indeed, we live out that conviction every day on campus.   

Warmly,

President

Interim President-Elect