Important Update: Phased Return to Normal Operations Remains in Effect for Drexel’s University City Campus

Dear Colleagues and Students,

I am writing to provide an update both on where we currently stand with our plans for returning the University City campus to normal operations and on our response to the unauthorized pro-Palestinian encampment on Korman Quad.

After discussions with Chief Mel Singleton and our Public Safety team, we will maintain the current status of operations for tomorrow, May 22. To recap: Labs, studio classes and simulation classes will continue being held in-person, while lecture classes will remain virtual. Students should contact their faculty member with any questions. We also will continue to provide in-person health and counseling services to members of our community.

The University will also continue virtual operations for all nonessential personnel. Anyone with questions about working remotely should contact their supervisor. Faculty and professional staff in labs and studios will be considered essential, while researchers engaged in critical activity that requires in-person work will be allowed access to campus with approval from their dean or division head.

We understand that some events planned for tomorrow regrettably will be affected. Any event scheduled for tomorrow that can be moved to a remote format can continue but if not, the event will need to be rescheduled.

Now, to matters concerning the encampment itself. We have learned of calls for a "Solidarity Rally at the Drexel Encampment" to be held tonight at 6 p.m. The Philadelphia Police department will provide support for our Public Safety officers to ensure the safety of our community.

In addition to calling repeatedly on demonstrators to disband the encampment — and reminding them through my daily messages and through posted signage around Korman Quad that they are violating local trespassing ordinances — we also have sought to open a line of communication to the protesters. Today, Chief Singleton's offer of a meeting between members of the administration was refused by the protesters.

Many of you have expressed your frustration over our decision to scale back in-person classes and activities. I understand and share your frustration. But please rest assured that we are doing everything we can to return our campus safely to normal operations. As noted in my previous messages, ensuring our community's safety and freedom from threats, harassment or intimidation, and preventing damage to our buildings and campus spaces are my top priorities. Based on our assessment of all the circumstances surrounding this encampment and the incendiary demands issued by the Drexel Palestine Coalition on Instagram, I have regrettably determined that we need additional time to resolve the situation so we can safely resume all in-person activities.

I assure everyone that we are working diligently to return fully to normal operations. In the meantime, I ask for everyone's patience and understanding as we continue work to resolve this situation.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President