Jun 04, 2013 12:21
Today's staff meeting was more exciting than usual: a group discussion with administrators about recent occupations of Dutton Hall and the plans they're developing to deal with future protests.
While I am glad that they are putting a great deal of thought into the issue, I am concerned about a couple of things. First, I'm not convinced that the administrators truly understand the mindset of the "new protester"--at one point in the meeting it seemed that one administrator was under the impression that the first Occupy Dutton (which was obnoxious but allowed classes to continue) and the recent pro-Palestine takeover (which chained the doors closed and allowed no-one to enter the building) were the same group.
Second, it sounds like all of the plans are *reactive* measures ("What can we do WHEN Dutton is occupied again?") rather than *preventative* measures ("What can we do to make it less likely that Dutton is occupied again?"). I'd love to see more communication with student groups to send the message that this sort of protest is NOT effective. It does not sway the opinions of policymakers, it does not provide good publicity to anyone, it disrupts education, and it makes students and staff angry--not angry at the subject of the protest, but angry at the protesters themselves.
The university ought to be saying "We know you have serious concerns. Taking over a student services building isn't going to help. Let's work together to find productive ways for you to voice your concerns."
rage and fury of the titans,
teaching,
politics