Disruption to career fair

Dear members of the Temple community,

Today, a group of 12-15 people, including Temple University students and non-Temple individuals, disrupted a career fair being held inside the Howard Gittis Student Center. They used a megaphone to chant, shout, curse and interfere, creating a major disruption for all the visiting employers and several hundred students who attended the fair in search of employment or internship opportunities.

Freedom of speech and assembly are the foundation of the First Amendment and fundamental to Temple University's mission as a public university and place of learning. This means that Temple fosters an environment that is open to a diversity of thought, opinion and peaceful expression. As the university has previously noted, however, there is a line between freedom of expression and disruptive, harassing activity.

Temple police supervisors attempted to communicate with several demonstrators who ignored their contact. While some demonstrators eventually abided by warnings to leave the building, several individuals were noncompliant and physically engaged our police officers. Four individuals were arrested by the Temple University Police Department. Temple's Division of Student Affairs is investigating the incident, and students and student organizations who violated university policy may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code.

As outlined within Temple's on-campus Demonstration Guidelines, any demonstration must not disrupt the educational process or business operations. The guidelines also state, "University officials or law enforcement agents may move or request the removal of any demonstrator or participant believed to be in violation of federal, state, or municipal laws and ordinances, and all university policies, regulations, and guidelines."

The university's on-campus Demonstration Guidelines are in place for a reason; they provide guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of community members while also encouraging and preserving freedom of expression. When the guidelines and university policy are violated, disciplinary action is appropriate.

I want to thank our Temple police officers for their swift response to today's incident. I also want to thank our staff members from the Division of Student Affairs and Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL) who responded today to assist any student, faculty and staff member who may have been impacted by the event. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many resources available to support students, faculty and staff.

As will always be the case, Temple remains dedicated to promoting peace, justice and understanding.

Sincerely,

Richard M. Englert
President

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