I was disheartened to see the video of three students at McHenry Library on Sunday demanding that another group of students who might hold different political opinions leave the building, but I commend university staff for their handling of the situation. The incident ended peacefully. The three students were arrested. We also have asked the dean of students to review this incident for possible campus disciplinary measures.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in America, and it’s something we believe in fiercely at UC Santa Cruz. A university is a marketplace of ideas. It must be. We grow intellectually by listening to other opinions, sometimes liking them, sometimes not, but always listening to them. This free interchange of ideas is integral to our mission, and we are committed to protecting everyone’s right to peacefully and lawfully assemble.
