Make Shippensburg a Sanctuary and Safe Campus
Dr. Jody Harpster and Dr. Barbara Lyman
In the aftermath of the Presidential election, we the faculty, students, staff and community members of the Shippensburg area, ask the University to immediately begin the process of making our campus a formal sanctuary for undocumented immigrants, their families and related community members. We join with a growing number of campus communities that are calling on institutions to become "sanctuary campuses" and we ask that you join with the growing number of campuses taking the step to be come a "sanctuary campus."
We also ask that the University administration take steps to assure our campus is a safe place for all. Hate crimes against Muslim Americans have increased by over 67% in the past year. In the 12 days since the election, the SPLC has received over 700 reports of hate crimes. These crimes have occurred against immigrants, people of color, women and members of the LGBTQ community. Teachers across the country and in our communities have reported major increases in the bullying of students, we have seen deplorable mocking of students with disabilities mocking and attacking of students of color, sexual aggression against females, renewed use of racial epithets and even the appearance of swastikas in our schools and communities. We must stand together against this hate. In light of this we, the undersigned believe it is critical to reiterate our university's commitment to diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination.
We ask that the University issue a public statement announcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion and its commitment to become a sanctuary campus.
We ask that the University reiterate its position against harassment and hate on our campus.
We ask that the University schedule a town hall to discuss other steps we can take as a community to stand against this hate.
We ask that Dr. Harpster sign onto the letter, started by President Mariko Silver of Bennington, calling on President Elect Trump to stand for human decency, equal rights, freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination.
As we face difficult days ahead, we must all stand together.
Sponsored by
To:
Dr. Jody Harpster and Dr. Barbara Lyman
From:
[Your Name]
In the aftermath of the Presidential election, we the faculty, students, staff and community members of the Shippensburg area, ask the University to immediately begin the process of making our campus a formal sanctuary for undocumented immigrants, the families and related community members. We join with a growing number of campus communities that are calling on institutions to become "sanctuary campuses" and we ask that you join with the growing number of campuses taking the step to be come a "sanctuary campus."
We also ask that the University administration take steps to assure our campus is a safe place for all. Hate crimes against Muslim Americans have increased by over 67% in the past year. In the 12 days since the election, the SPLC has received over 700 reports of hate crimes. These crimes have occurred against immigrants, people of color, women and members of the LGBTQ community. Teachers across the country and in our communities have reported major increases in the bullying of students, we have seen deplorable mocking of students with disabilities, students of color, sexual aggression against females, renewed use of racial epithets and even the appearance of swastikas in our schools and communities. We must stand together against this hate. In light of this we, the undersigned believe it is critical to reiterate our university's commitment to diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination.
We ask that the University issue a public statement announcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion and its commitment to become a sanctuary campus.
We ask that the University reiterate its position against harassment and hate on our campus.
We ask that the University schedule a town hall to discuss other steps we can take as a community to stand against this hate.
We ask that Dr. Harpster sign onto the letter, started by President Mariko Silver of Bennington, calling on President Elect Trump to stand for human decency, equal rights, freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination.
As we face difficult days ahead, we must all stand together.