"When we became aware that people from outside the Hunter community were vandalizing ...

Originally disseminated by email.

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March 5 18:01:21 EST 2010
To the Hunter Community:

I would like to take this opportunity to address events that transpired on the Hunter campus during the National Day of Action for Public Education on March 4.

Our campus team worked hard to allow the community to participate in the events connected to the National Day of Action while at the same time ensuring that the normal activities of the college could proceed. About 200 people participated in yesterday’s rally, which was for the most part peaceful. Students and faculty were able to get to their classes unimpeded, and classes were not interrupted.

When we became aware that people from outside the Hunter community were vandalizing college offices, threatening the safety of our faculty, staff, and students and causing significant property damage, the college introduced an ID check. The check was conducted by Hunter’s campus security officers. Student Services staff participated in these checks to assist students who did not have IDs. We instituted these checks after people were found covering the walls in graffiti and smashing the glass doors of the Financial Aid and Bursar’s Offices. Three people were arrested, none of them Hunter students, all outsiders.

While we will respect the rights of peaceful protestors, we will not tolerate vandalism or violence. The safety of our community is paramount and we must ensure that our students, faculty and staff have a safe place to study, teach and work as well as express their views.

In these difficult economic times, we will continue to promote the superb work of Hunter’s students, faculty, staff and alumni and to communicate that the high quality affordable education that Hunter offers is the best investment the State and City can make in the future of New York.

Sincerely,
Jennifer J. Raab