Police were called to Bryn Mawr College Saturday morning in response to a pro-Palestinian protest held outside of the Hepburn teaching theater, where part of the April meeting of the college’s Board of Trustees was taking place. Protestors gathered at approximately 8 a.m., chanting outside as the Board ate breakfast.
At approximately 9 a.m., the police were called by campus safety. “There’s been an assault and they [the protesters] are not listening,” Lillian Burroughs, Campus Safety Executive Director, stated as the reason for the call. The Bi-College News cannot yet independently verify this claim. One police officer arrived shortly after, briefly exchanging words with the protesters and Bill Applegate, Associate Director of Campus Safety.
The police officer subsequently dispersed the crowd, walking alongside protesters to Pembroke Arch until the crowd eventually disbanded. No arrests were made.
Campus safety and Bryn Mawr College’s administration have not yet replied to a request for comment.
This is a developing story and updates will be added as they are available.
10 comments
Dear President Wendy Cadge,
In challenging times, it is essential to approach student activism with empathy and understanding, recognizing it as a vital expression of youthful passion and consciousness. While ensuring campus safety is paramount, finding pathways that address concerns collaboratively, rather than through force, might foster a more nurturing educational environment. In this deeply divided and turbulent moment in our nation’s history, how our institutions respond to the voices of the next generation will define not only the character of our campus, but the kind of society we leave behind.
Respectfully,
Elliot Page
Dear President Wendy Cadge,
I am writing to express my deep disappointment and strong condemnation of your decision to call law enforcement on students who were peacefully exercising their constitutional right to protest. A liberal arts institution, above all others, should be a place where free expression, civic engagement, and peaceful dissent are not only tolerated but celebrated as core values of a democratic society. Calling police on your own students sends a chilling message that silences voices and contradicts the very principles of open inquiry and intellectual freedom that a liberal arts education is meant to uphold. I urge you to reflect on the harm this action has caused to student trust, campus culture, and the reputation of your institution as a place of learning and dialogue. As the leader of an institution built on the ideals of critical thinking, justice, and human dignity, I expected far better from you than this.
What is the assault in question? Did LMPD assault student protestors? The lack of clariy on this statement is concerning.
Bryn Mawr President, what are teaching our students about integrity and standing up against injustice? Can you honestly look into your soul as a human being and justify your action? As a parent, I am disappointed in your leadership.
This is deeply concerning. Why is the Lower Merion Police Department being called on student protestors? What is the assault mentioned by the Campus Safety officer? We parents stand with the students.
What is this new president trying to do to call police on our students? If the college cares about social justice and students, listen to their views and have a dialogue.
It’s sad that supposedly liberal (arts) colleges are caving to the fascist crackdown on peaceful protest in our country. Shame on Bryn Mawr! As parent of a BMC student, I expect better.
As another parent I fully agree. Allow peaceful protest. Engage with students who are courageously trying to effect positive change. Applaud their ability to think critically.
Wow. Calling the police on peaceful student protestors at a women’s college? Unbelievable and unprecedented reach of power by this new president and her administration.
Joy ’16
This piece is a very well written and objective cover of a developing story, Nomah!
Thank you for the work that you and please keep us updated.
Shakira K.
HC’ 17