Drexel to Return to Normal Operations with Additional Security Procedures

Dear Drexel Colleagues and Students,

I am writing to update you on our plans for returning the University City campus to normal operations as we continue to respond to the unauthorized pro-Palestinian encampment on Korman Quad.

In consultation with Chief Mel Singleton and our Public Safety team, it has been determined that we now have the personnel and systems in place to safely return to normal operations on the University City campus tomorrow, Thursday, May 23, with a number of additional security procedures.

All classes, lectures, facilities and events will return to their normal operation on campus, with the exception of the Korman Center, which will remain closed until further notice. Please remember to bring your ID if you will be entering a campus building; you will not be able to enter without your ID. Consistent with security protocols implemented during our phased return to normal operations, all buildings will continue to have a single point of entry with a Drexel ID. Please follow all posted signage to access these buildings and follow the instructions of Public Safety officers and University personnel who are working to provide a secure entrance to these facilities.

It is important to understand that these new procedures may cause delays in entering buildings, so I ask everyone to please plan accordingly and give one another a bit of grace as we proceed with this transition. I remind you to report any intrusions by demonstrators into any campus facility by calling the Drexel Public Safety Emergency Center at 215.895.2222 or dialing 911, or contacting Public Safety via the Guardian app.

Regarding the encampment, last night additional Police and Public Safety officers were on hand to ensure the safety of our community as about 100 demonstrators rallied at the encampment. Many of these people have since departed our campus, but the presence of the encampment as a continued rallying location for protesters across the city raises additional concerns when it comes to protecting our community, which is my highest priority.

It also puts a tremendous strain on our Public Safety officers, who must continue to manage this situation. Therefore, I once again call on encampment protestors to disperse so that our community can return to normal.

As I mentioned yesterday, Chief Singleton offered a meeting between members of University administration and participants in the protest. Representatives of the encampment refused this offer. Our administration continues to work through established student groups to have constructive dialogue about the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

I want to reiterate my call for the demonstrators in the encampment to disband. Any Drexel student in the encampment is violating our University Code of Conduct. All demonstrators have been warned throughout the week verbally, via emails and posted signage that they are trespassing on University property and must disperse.

I have heard from many concerned and frustrated members of our community over the last several days. I share your frustration and impatience, and am doing everything in my power to resolve this situation peacefully. We also have taken necessary steps to protect our community from individuals who may be bent on sowing chaos on our campus, as we have seen in recent protest encampments at other institutions.

In the meantime, I ask for everyone's patience and understanding as we continue to work to resolve this situation.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President