AMHERST — Students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst generally reacted favorably to a letter sent Friday by Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, reminding the campus community of university values post-election.
As the first week of spring classes wrapped up, around 1 p.m., the chancellor sent the email to remind students, faculty and staff of the campus commitment to free speech, diversity and social consciousness.
Alluding to President Donald Trump’s strong rhetoric and executive actions cracking down on immigration, both legal and not, Subbaswamy wrote that the university would “pledge to do everything within our legal and moral authority to protect [the campus community], no matter their national origin, race, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual identity or immigration status.”
After praising campus social and environmental activism, the chancellor called for the entire campus community, regardless of their political affiliations, to be “an active participant in the democratic process.”
In the email, Subbaswamy reiterated that the university will not tolerate the noticeable increase of “hate speech” following the 2016 election cycle.
He also cited the Bridge Act, a piece of legislation introduced to Congress by a bipartisan group that would offer temporary relief from deportation to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients.
The chancellor also wrote the university would continue to “combat climate change,” while making an emphasis about being committed to science.
Santiago Vidales, a graduate student, campus activist and organizer for issues like fossil fuel divestment and sanctuary campuses, said that he is glad university administration is starting to take initiative to support the campus community.
“It’s good that he’s taking on the politics that is coming to Washington straight on,” Vidales said. “I appreciate how he’s calling [them] out.” Vidales said the letter marked a shift in the chancellor’s language toward social issues.
“Having been at UMass for awhile, he is definitely changing his tone a little,” Vidales said, adding that, though he appreciates the chancellor’s stated commitment to these values, he has not yet seen the physical change he and other activists are waiting for.
“In many ways speaking out of both sides of his mouth, acknowledging radical activity, but not walking the walk and listening to what the campus community needs,” he said.
Others, like sophomore Kristina Miller, felt empowered by chancellor’s call to action. Miller, who said she isn’t usually a campus activist, said she will do what she can to protect students in harms’ way — whether it be the risk of deportation or discrimination based on their identity.
“I’m honestly proud to be a part of a school that shares the same values as I do,” Miller said.
Sophomore Michael Shea shared a similar sentiment.
“I love what Subbaswamy is doing,” Shea said. “I feel it’s an important measure that the campus should take after such a tumultuous election.
Morgan Hughes can be reached at mahughes@umass.edu.