This Week in Photos: February 12</h1> <article> <h1>This Week in Photos: February 12</h1> <p>ygay — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:04:59 +0000</p> <span>This Week in Photos: February 12</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-02-12T17:04:59-05:00" title="Wednesday, February 12, 2020 - 17:04">Wed, 02/12/2020 - 17:04</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p> </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Guest performer KAINA gives a concert in the Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse. Photo credit: Jack Lichtenstein ’23</figcaption> </figure> <p> </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Donna Akiba Harper ’75 and Kofi Lomotey ’74 returned to campus and Afrikan Heritage House to speak with students about their experiences on campus and life outside of 91ֱ��. Photo credit: Yvonne Gay</figcaption> </figure> <p> </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Cuban Ambassador José Ramón Cabañas Rodríguez discusses the future of United States and Cuban government relations. Photo credit: Dale Preston ’83</figcaption> </figure> <p> </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Professor of Studio Art and Africana Studies Johnny Coleman handmakes shotgun structures and stools for the In Celebration of Toni Morrison: A Gesture of Love and Reflection event to be held in 91ֱ�� on the late author’s birthday, February 18. Photo credit: John Seyfried</figcaption> </figure> <p> </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties takes place in the Irene and Alan Wurtzel Theater. The play portrayed the lives of five very different New York women named Betty. Photo credit: John Seyfried</figcaption> </figure> <p> </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>91ֱ�� College student athletes and coaches meet in Williams Field House with Play Like a Girl participants to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Photo credit: Courtesy of 91ֱ�� College Athletics</figcaption> </figure> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-02-12T12:00:00Z">Wed, 02/12/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2771">Athletics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2415">Sports</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2547">Policies & Procedures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2379">Student Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2591">Art Installation</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/art" hreflang="und">Studio Art</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/theater" hreflang="und">Theater</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/africana-studies" hreflang="und">Africana Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Afro-Puerto Rican dance group Instituto Folclórico Puertorriqueño Rafael Cepeda Atiles celebrates percussion-driven music and dance in Finney Chapel.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Now a Tobacco-Free Campus</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:18:55 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Now a Tobacco-Free Campus</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:18:55-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:18">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:18</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><em>Ray English, who served as Azariah Smith Root director of libraries for 25 years, removes a “Designated Smoking Area” sign near the base of the Mudd Learning Center ramp to prepare for 91ֱ��’s new Tobacco-Free Policy. The policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products by students, staff, faculty, and visitors on campus property. The policy goes into effect today, July 1, 2016.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2016-07-01T12:00:00Z">Fri, 07/01/2016 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2547">Policies & Procedures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2354">Campus Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2546">Photo Feature</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Dale Preston ’83</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>What You Need to Know About 91ֱ��’s Tobacco-Free Policy</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:18:55 +0000</p> <span>What You Need to Know About 91ֱ��’s Tobacco-Free Policy</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:18:55-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:18">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:18</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>In 2014, both the Student Senate and General Faculty passed a Tobacco-Free Policy that prohibits the use of all tobacco products by students, staff, faculty, and visitors on campus property. The policy is scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2016.</p> <p>Here, we share answers to several questions many students, staff, and faculty have posed regarding the policy to help keep all of those within our community informed.</p> <h3>What exactly is the 91ֱ�� Tobacco-Free policy?</h3> <p>91ֱ��’s Tobacco-Free Policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products by students, staff, faculty and visitors in the following areas:</p> <ul> <li>All buildings, facilities, properties, and vehicles owned or operated by 91ֱ�� College</li> <li>All campus grounds, including at outdoor athletics events and programs held on college property</li> <li>All campus facilities or on campus grounds being used for private events</li> </ul> <p>For the purpose of this policy, tobacco use is defined as:</p> <ul> <li>Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, clove cigarettes, hookahs, or any other tobacco product</li> <li>Using any form of smokeless tobacco, including dip, chew, snuff, or snus</li> </ul> <h3>Who created the policy?</h3> <p>The policy is the creation of the Tobacco Committee, a subcommittee of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Committee (ATOD) comprised of students, staff, and faculty.</p> <p>ATOD suggested 91ֱ�� College consider becoming tobacco-free in 2010 based on the recommendations of the American College Health Association, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and national trends among colleges and universities. In collaboration with the Lorain County Health Department, the Tobacco Committee assessed campus readiness to become tobacco-free through discussions, surveys, and meetings over a two-year period. Support for a tobacco-free campus among students, staff, and faculty grew during this time.</p> <h3>Why was this policy adopted?</h3> <p>Tobacco use is a health and wellness issue, a social justice issue, and an environmental sustainability issue. 91ֱ�� College adopted this policy because it is committed to addressing these and other important topics.</p> <h3>Are there any exemptions from the policy?</h3> <p>The policy does not apply to private property or areas of the city of 91ֱ�� in the vicinity of campus grounds, only property explicitly owned by the college. Tobacco products are permitted for use in Tappan Square, except during public events.</p> <p>Portable electronic vaporizers such as e-cigarettes are not considered tobacco products under the policy. Portable electronic vaporizers are permitted for outdoor use at least 30 feet from campus buildings. They are not permitted for indoor use, nor are they permitted for use during outdoor public events such as Commencement.</p> <p>The use of tobacco products in Tappan Square and the outdoor use of portable electronic vaporizers will be reevaluated in 2018.</p> <h3>How will people know about the policy?</h3> <p>Every member of the 91ֱ�� College community is responsible for observing the policy and encouraging a tobacco-free campus. If you see anyone not complying with the policy, you are asked to respectfully explain to that individual that tobacco use is not permitted on campus. Direct them to <del>go.oberlin.edu/tobacco-free</del> for more information.</p> <p>Additionally, green signs that classify the college as tobacco-free have been posted by exterior doors of most campus buildings.</p> <h3>What if I need help quitting smoking?</h3> <p>The focus of this policy is on providing education and cessation opportunities. Therefore, tobacco cessation programs and support have been made available to all 91ֱ�� College students, staff, and faculty.</p> <p>Student Health Services and the Counseling Center offer Quit Kits that contain literature about cessation as well as oral fixation tools that can help you through the quitting process. Student Health Services can provide medical and counseling support for students who want to quit smoking. Members or the Counseling Center have been trained in cessation support.</p> <p>Cessation support is available to all staff through the CIGNA Health plan. Patches and gum are provided free to enrollees. Staff and faculty are encouraged to contact human resources at 440-775-8180 to find out what other medications and therapies are covered.</p> <p>Additional information about medications and support options for quitting tobacco use can be found on <del>this web page</del>.</p> <h3>Has the college ever implemented policies like this before?</h3> <p>In 1993, the college adopted a policy that limited smoking by students, staff, faculty, and visitors to outdoor areas on campus that are 30 feet away from building entrances, exits, and smoking vents. Smoking had previously been banned at all times in all campus buildings and college-owned vehicles.</p> <p>For even more information about 91ֱ��’s Tobacco-Free Policy, including more frequently asked questions, visit <del>go.oberlin.edu/tobacco-free</del>.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2016-06-06T12:00:00Z">Mon, 06/06/2016 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Lisa Gulasy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2547">Policies & Procedures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2362">Health and Wellness</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> </article> <article> <h1>Tobacco Cessation Resources for Students, Faculty, and Staff</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:19:24 +0000</p> <span>Tobacco Cessation Resources for Students, Faculty, and Staff</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:19:24-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:19">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:19</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Thursday, November 19, 2015, marks the 43rd observance of the Great American SmokeOut. The event started in a small town in Massachusetts. Since 1977, the Great American SmokeOut has been branded and promoted by the American Cancer Society on the third Thursday of November. The college promoted the Great American SmokeOut for the first time in 2010 and has sponsored events and programs each year since.</p> <p>This year’s observance has special significance. Since 2010, the Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee has been assessing the campus’ readiness to become tobacco free. Last year, Student Senate and the General Faculty voted to make 91ֱ�� a tobacco-free campus beginning July 1, 2016.</p> <p>The Tobacco Free Implementation Committee, composed of two faculty, three staff, and four students, was appointed by President Krislov last spring and is charged with overseeing the transition from the current policy (no smoking indoors and 30 feet from doors, vents, and windows) to the new policy.</p> <p>The committee has worked with Student Health Services and the Office of Human Resources to identify and make provision for access to cessation resources for students, faculty, and staff who may want to quit. For example, on Tuesday, November 24, the committee and Human Resources are hosting a <a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/employee_brown_bag_lunch_on_the_tobacco_free_policy#.Vk4TzmSrRO0">brown bag lunch and information session</a> on the new policy and cessation resources available to faculty and staff.</p> <p>According to the Centers for Disease Control, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. People who stop smoking while they are young get the greatest benefits from quitting. Those who quit during their 30s may avoid most of the risks due to tobacco use. But even smokers who quit after age 50 largely reduce their risk of dying early from smoking related diseases and illness.</p> <p>If you use tobacco, now is a good time to quit or think about quitting.</p> <p>For more information about the Tobacco Free Implementation Committee and the tobacco policy that will take effect July 1, 2016, <a href="/news/what-you-need-know-about-oberlins-tobacco-free-policy">see this webpage</a>.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2015-11-19T12:00:00Z">Thu, 11/19/2015 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ehrai Adams</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2547">Policies & Procedures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2562">Human Resources</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2362">Health and Wellness</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> </article> <article> <h1>Meredith Raimondo Appointed Special Assistant to the President</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:20:35 +0000</p> <span>Meredith Raimondo Appointed Special Assistant to the President</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:20:35-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:20">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Meredith Raimondo has been named Special Assistant to the President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In this position, which emerged from an ongoing process to review campus sexual misconduct policy and Title IX compliance, she'll work with the campus community to implement the new sexual misconduct policy and further enhance institutional planning on diversity and inclusion.</p> <p>Raimondo's position was developed as a result of conversations that happened on campus over the past 18 months about how best to meet the college’s obligation to respond to allegations of gender‐ and sex-based discrimination and harassment in compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Clery Act, and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act of 2013 (SaVE).</p> <p>This is the latest development in 91ֱ��'s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors of sexual abuse. In fall 2012, 91ֱ�� launched the Sexual Offense Policy Task Force, which conducted an exhaustive review of 91ֱ��'s Sexual Offense Policy and its response to reports of sexual offense and, in May, approved a new sexual misconduct policy for the college.</p> <p>This past year has also seen increased scrutiny by federal and state governments into institutions’ handling of sexual abuse reports. In March of 2013, President Obama signed SaVE into law, which increases the types of sexual abuse schools are required to report, requires them to improve their complaint process, and provides federal resources to improve their procedures. This January, he created the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, which published a thorough set of guidelines for colleges to prevent and respond to sexual assault, as well as instructions for students on what to do if their institutions fail to respond appropriately. In May, the Department of Education announced that it was going to investigate how Title IX complaints were handled at 55 different colleges from across the country.</p> <p>"The current national conversation about addressing sexual misconduct on college campuses is one example of the ways in which equity issues are deeply connected to educational opportunity," says Raimondo. "I'm proud to be at a campus taking responsible and proactive steps on these issues."</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2014-07-07T12:00:00Z">Mon, 07/07/2014 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2583">College of Arts and Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2547">Policies & Procedures</a></div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>What’s Up with the Tobacco-Free Initiative</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:20:42 +0000</p> <span>What’s Up with the Tobacco-Free Initiative</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:20:42-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:20">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>It is no secret that the Tobacco Subcommittee has launched a tobacco-free initiative. But have there been any developments since the effort was last in the news late last semester? Where can an interested party get the most up-to-date information?</p> <p>At <s>new.oberlin.edu/tobacco-free-oberlin/</s>. “In the interest of transparency and keeping the 91ֱ�� community informed, the Tobacco Subcommittee has created a website for its most updated information on the tobacco free initiative, says Lori Morgan Flood, associate dean and director of wellness and health promotion.</p> <p>The website offers an overview of the committee’s work and of the initiative’s current status.</p> <p>The Tobacco Subcommittee, which is part of the college’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Committee, has been working on this issue for more than three years, initially gauging the campus’s readiness to be tobacco free by meeting with various campus offices, departments, student and employee groups. Well over 75 percent of the individuals involved said they supported such an initiative.</p> <p>The committee is currently working with Student Senate liaisons to promote the website and to plan forums for discussion and information sharing about the tobacco-free initiative.</p> <p>A key component of preparing an institution to become tobacco free is providing cessation support through both psychological and pharmacological therapies. The offices of student wellness and employee wellness have long been advocates of smoking cessation resources for students, faculty, and staff. “Whatever the outcome,” says Flood, “we will continue to support cessation programs and services.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2014-02-26T12:00:00Z">Wed, 02/26/2014 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ehrai Adams</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2547">Policies & Procedures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2362">Health and Wellness</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> </article> <article> <h1>More Tobacco-Free Clarifications</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:20:42 +0000</p> <span>More Tobacco-Free Clarifications</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:20:42-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:20">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:20</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>We are writing to address some misconceptions about the proposed tobacco-free policy. These misconceptions include:<br> </p> <ol> <li> <p>The policy applies only to students. <br> </p> </li> <li> <p>The policy includes punitive measures for infractions. <br> </p> </li> <li> <p>Adoption of the policy is subject to a vote by the Student Senate. <br> </p> </li> </ol> <p>Before we respond to these statements, we must reiterate that the tobacco-free policy is still in draft form. The draft policy calls for implementation in 2016.</p> <p>With that in mind, our responses to the above statements are:</p> <ol> <li> <p>If approved and implemented, the policy would apply to everyone on campus, not just students.<br> </p> </li> <li> <p>The draft of the policy focuses not on punishment for infractions, but rather on education, support for cessation, and social policy. We do not expect that to substantively change moving forward. <br> </p> </li> <li> <p>Approval of the policy is in the purview of the General Faculty, as is approval of all policy changes. Once we create a final draft, we will share it with various groups, including Student Senate, before submitting it to the General Faculty.<br> </p> </li> </ol> <p>In an ongoing effort to be transparent, by January a website will serve as a clearinghouse of all information related to our efforts, with opportunities to give feedback. As always, anyone interested in providing input to the committee is encouraged to do so by contacting ocwellne@oberlin.edu</p> <p>The Tobacco Subcommittee will release a formal policy proposal next semester, and the student senate will hold several forums designed to foster discussion on the issue. </p> <p>The Tobacco Subcommittee, which includes student members, has been working on this issue for more than three years. This work, much of it publicly delivered via multiple “tobacco-talks” to students and staff, has included education efforts related to health issues, environmental sustainability and other social justice concerns, ongoing cessation efforts, outreach to multiple offices and student organizations, surveying of relevant constituencies, and a review of best practice at other colleges and universities.</p> <p>Colleges and universities moving toward a tobacco-free campus at the encouragement of many public-health organizations is a significant national conversation, and it only makes sense that 91ֱ�� would take part. Nothing has been settled, and there is a lot to discuss.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2013-12-18T12:00:00Z">Wed, 12/18/2013 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Lori Morgan Flood</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2362">Health and Wellness</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2547">Policies & Procedures</a></div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Update on Trespass Policy Controversy</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:21:16 +0000</p> <span>Update on Trespass Policy Controversy</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:21:16-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:21">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:21</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� College’s trespass policy has come under scrutiny in recent months. During two forums held in February, several individuals who have received trespass notices—notification in writing that they are not permitted on 91ֱ�� College property—spoke about not knowing what actions resulted in their notices and not knowing what means of recourse are available to them. Other people have voiced similar concerns in videos produced by the One Town Campaign, a group of 91ֱ�� College students and alumni who say on the group’s website that their goal is to forge “respectful working relationships with community members from the town of 91ֱ��.”</p> <p>College administrators have been doing a lot of listening and meeting with concerned members of One Town and the community. Clearly we have some work to do on this issue, and I want to make progress sooner rather than later.</p> <p>While the forums and discussions have revealed a general consensus that a trespass policy is needed, college administrators who attended the forums agree that current policies, processes, and practices should be revised and made more transparent and visible. </p> <p>In March, Tita Reed, special assistant to the president for community and government relations, and I met with One Town representative Tommie Jackson Smith; Tom Locke, chair of the city of 91ֱ��’s Human Relations Commission; and 91ֱ�� College student Kevin Gilfether, who grew up in 91ֱ��. They provided helpful feedback and made important suggestions. Proposals that came out of that discussion, and which also are informed by the February forums, are:</p> <p><strong>Exploring alternatives for youths under the age of 18.</strong><br> I have had the opportunity to meet several times with a group of community members who have been talking with the local police about youth issues and concerns. They approached me about an advocacy program as an alternative to trespass and I think that has real possibilities. I appreciate them approaching me and look forward to working on this possibility with them</p> <p><strong>Establishing automatic review of trespass notices for youths under the age of 18.</strong><br> Kevin Gilfether made this suggestion in a recent letter to the <em>91ֱ�� Review</em>. It is still under discussion after what period of time— three months or six months, for example—review would happen, but college representatives are supportive of the idea.</p> <p><strong>Providing more information in notification letters about the reasons for issuing the trespass notice.</strong> <br> </p> <p><strong>Revising the current trespass policy.</strong><br> I welcome specific feedback on the policy itself from One Town or any member of the community. One specific revision that has been discussed is the process to request reconsideration of a trespass notice. Even though the current process works, it is problematic that a person requests reconsideration to the same office, safety and security, that issued the original notice. Everyone participating the March meeting agrees that a review group, probably of five, would be a better entry point for requests. </p> <p><strong>Allowing people to bring an advocate with them when they meet with safety and security staff.</strong> <br> Allowing people to bring an advocate with them will provide them with more support and make the process more transparent.<br> </p> <p>Special Assistant Reed and I hope also to work with special advisor Saul Green, a former U.S. Attorney and deputy mayor of the city of Detroit, to enhance professional development and training opportunities for administrators and safety and security officers. </p> <p>My hope and expectation is that we can build on the momentum of this recent discussion, build some badly needed trust, and improve this situation. I'm very hopeful about the progress we can make together moving forward. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2013-04-10T12:00:00Z">Wed, 04/10/2013 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Eric Estes</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2385">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2547">Policies & Procedures</a></div> </div> </article> </main></body></html>