Last weekend was a good example of the convergence of different groups and energies that make up Carleton. Happenings across campus included the 20th Empty Bowls community meal; Ultimate and rugby alumni returning to connect with current students and each other; various meetings of and gatherings with the Board of Trustees; and the “People’s College for Gaza” encampment and rallies.
Some of these convergences were deliberate, as the Board meeting was a focus of attention for student protestors. With careful preparation and some flexibility, the Board had a very successful set of meetings, which included, among other events, a dinner in Great Hall centered on the theme of Off-Campus Studies, with students, faculty, and staff who have recently participated in OCS programs joining trustees to share their experiences taking, leading, or supporting many terrific programs.
Among the major items of Board business was the approval of some faculty promotions and endowed professorships, and the important and timely matter of approving the awarding of degrees in June. In addition, the Board discussed and approved proposed new handbook language on academic freedom at Carleton.
With the first phase of the Student Life and Housing Plan nearing completion, the Board approved our proposed names for the new student residences on Lilac Hill, which will be named after trees and flowers found in the Arb: Birch, Hickory, Trillium, and Aster, along with Farm House. The area director’s house will be Stork, after Professor of Botany (1920–55) Harvey Stork. On Union Street, the Multicultural House and Center will be joined by Neil House, the Black House and Center, named after the late Rev. Earl Neil ’57, the second African American graduate of Carleton, noted Civil Rights and social justice activist, and former trustee.
The trustees also had several opportunities to engage student protestors. A small group of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) met with four trustees, including the Board chair, together with myself and Chief Investment Officer Kelsey Deshler on Thursday, and had a thoughtful discussion of divestment and other student demands. Several students spoke to trustees individually in conversations outside Nutting House on Friday evening as well, and both trustees and students reported finding those conversations generally respectful and informative.
I have also been continuing discussions with the SJP students, including visiting and touring the encampment on Tuesday, and meeting again, along with VP Dina Zavala, with student leaders to talk about the College’s position on their demands. I know from conversations and communications with people on campus, as well as alumni, that our goal of maintaining a safe space for free expression of views is broadly shared across the community. I appreciate everyone’s support of that important Carleton value.
Featured in Carleton Today, May 16, 2024