Brown University releases statement on community standards ahead of commencement and reunion
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Brown University has released a statement regarding community standards ahead of graduation this weekend.
This weekend, alumni from classes ending in 4 and 9 and recent graduates will be welcomed back to campus from May 24 to May 26.
Commencement for the class of 2024 will happen on May 25 and 26.
“We recognize that this event comes amid an extraordinary time of geopolitical conflict nationally and around the world. Many in our community have felt these issues deeply or have experienced them in personal ways, either directly or through experiences involving family or loved ones, and continue to express their views,” said Provost Francis J. Doyle III in a email to community members.
“Brown is a community whose members value engaging in various forms of expression as a powerful means of advocacy and support. We therefore continue to ensure that there is a shared understanding among all who come to Brown that expression is permissible, but becomes unacceptable when it compromises the safety and security of others, or interferes in the rights of others to engage in the activities or operations of the University,” the statement continued.
According to the email, graduates and their guests are not permitted to bring items to the commencement or reunion that would the view or create a safety hazard for others, and also cannot affix signage, banners, or similar displays to any buildings, poles, or other structures. Students who chose to adorn their caps and gowns with images or messages and alumni and friends who chose to design apparel, may do so provided that the content does not intimidate or threaten individuals or groups based on perceived membership or protected class.
This comes just around a month after students reached an agreement with Brown administration to end a Pro-Palestinian protest encampment that lasted about a week.
The email further stated:
As we note the volatility of events at some campuses across the country, we are proud of the many examples we’ve seen of the Brown community having difficult yet necessary conversations while demonstrating respect and value for others. We are an academic community dedicated to ensuring respect for the views, perspectives and experiences of others, even when — and especially when — people disagree. This commitment is core to our values as an institution of teaching and learning.
If you are planning to participate in any of our events this weekend (and we hope that you are), you can help ensure that the focus of this once-in-a-lifetime event remains on the tremendous accomplishments of our graduating students. You can find out more about Commencement weekend, including the schedule for all planned events, by visiting https://commencement.brown.edu/.
Congratulations to all of our 2024 graduates and their families. We also thank the many faculty and staff who helped and supported our graduates in their educational journeys to reach this moment. We are proud and excited to bring together the entire Brown community this weekend in a festive and joyous celebration.
