Recent news stories have highlighted that the college proactively commissioned a new study to assess campus safety and security risks. That study is an important part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that we are fully prepared for all potential emergency incidents or crises that could occur on campus. Fortunately, those incidents are extremely rare at our college, but members of our community should be assured that the college’s leadership is doing everything possible to ensure that everyone can learn, work and enjoy campus life and activities without concerns or fear for safety.
The new assessment report identifies potential security vulnerabilities or areas of risk which, if disclosed to the public, could actually threaten the safety of our students, employees and visitors that we are working to protect. Accordingly, the faculty union’s FOIL request to release the study in full was denied. The college community should be aware that a task force with representatives from the college’s Academic Senate – the shared governing body for faculty and staff of the college – and Student Senate will review the report with appropriate college leaders to determine new strategies to enhance public safety.
It is also important to note that college administrators are currently working with the faculty union to negotiate a contract that will ensure continued collaboration for the years ahead. There is an open line of communication, regular meetings and an agreed-upon process for discussing any issue. However, we are unable to share information related to legal matters publicly.