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Occupy Conn Coll Live Updates
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As a parent, I stand with the protesters and the faculty. It’s time for the Board of Trustees to walk the walk and create the type of climate that they so proudly stated existed at the school. I believe the kids and professors and stand with them 100%!
Another proud parent here. I stand with the protesters, faculty, and staff who are expressing righteous anger. It is time for Ms. Bergeron to step down and for the Board to replace her with someone truly committed to equity for all on campus and beyond.
Former staff member. I stand with the protesters and I wish I was able to protest with you all in person. I hope the Board finally does right by all students, alumni, faculty, and staff and finally removes President Bergeron from her position.
I stand with the protesters and with TCV for its honest coverage. I hope that this story receives the national attention it deserves and that KB steps down.
This seems way overblown. Bergeron is NOT the enemy. She is not perfect but students should set their sights on people who actually want to eliminate EDI programs nationally – like Ron DeSantis or Chris Rufo. Perspective matters. The passion is great – but aim it at the actual villains.
You have to start somewhere.
Hi! Critical thinker here! There can be multiple people doing bad things! KB is DIRECTLY impacting Conn students. This is why we are asking for change. We can’t get Ron DeSantis out of office but we can try to get rid of KB. Change on a smaller scale is still extremely important, especially when it directly impacts students living and getting their education here. Do better.
Your post is embarrassing.
A critical thinker is not someone who wants their current liberal arts college to pay for the national sins of the right wing movement. KB has already agreed to fund DIEI, so now she has to pay for DeSantis’ horrible behavior? This is not a reasonable argument.
It’s way overblown. It started out with a dispute between the President and Dean over a fundraising venue, which seemed to be a bad decision on her part…. to suddenly now it’s an ‘air your grievances’ by the students on every issue possible that crosses their peripheral, including why they don’t like their lunch, dorm conditions or a dirty dorm kitchen. And ALL students are missing class over the adopted issues. I respect the right to protest, but the adults really need to step in and bring reality back!
Whoa. So college students are children? Do you still arrange play-dates?
Students are adults. College is about multi-generational learning. Our generation can learn a great deal from the current generation of college students. We have gotten many things wrong in the past – I’m proud to support our students as they course correct for the betterment of society.
Yes because cancelling classes for a week and chanting “No justice no peace!” over collecting donations from some country club that was racist 50 years ago betters society. What a joke
Good to know you’re happy with your child living in a school that has dorms with black mold.
If a Conn College dorm has mold, the college cleans and removes the mold. I thought the students were protesting over DIEI issues??
We had raw sewage leaking in KB I. The 90s and no one got hysterical about it
Exactly. This school has become a joke.
Thank you for being a voice of reason
As a CC parent, I fully support the students, staff and faculty who are demanding immediate change. From what my daughter tells me, it is clear that DIEI staff and facilities, including expenditures on campus accessibility, Unity House and spaces utilized by DIEI Staff, have been grossly and inexcusably short-changed. It is time for CC to put its money where its mouth is, and it is clear that President Bergeron is not the one to make that happen. The book Being Heumann gave the student body a perfect play-book for demanding the inclusive campus they deserve, and I am proud to see the students and most of the CC Community pulling together toward that goal.
I stand with the students and the faculty, and shout out to the TCV for the coverage. So proud to have a daughter who cares enough to act. As Bergeron’s letter to us stated, “One of the hallmarks of a liberal arts education is the ability to grapple with complexity in the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and justice.” Let’s add AND ACT to that list. Persevere!
Bergeron is the enemy. She has fostered a culture of fear that makes the kind of progress we all should strive for impossible, because her top priority is and always will be propping up her own name. She is incredibly vain, and from my experience, her primary motivation has always been centering herself (especially if she’s singing). It’s time to let other voices be heard
My husband and I are incredibly impressed and proud of the students who are 1. demanding KB’s resignation in light of her actions and history of creating a toxic environment at ConnColl; 2. ConnColl’s unwillingness or inability to implement changes to buildings in accordance to the ADA; 3. ConnColl’s refusal to fund DIEI programs and staff equitably.
Kids, #keepgoing- we are watching you, learning from/with you, and LOUDLY cheering you on – Be the Change You Want to See in the World!!
Like 50% of the clubs have to do with LGBTQ+ or POC and most research and events have to do with LGBTQ+ or POC or “equity”. I don’t know how they can be anymore “committed to DEIE”. No two people will ever be equal, you guys are fighting a losing battle.
Conn Dad
In every organization there is a time for change in leadership. The protesting students have an abiding conviction that this time has come for Conn. The administration recognizes their right to protest and a significant majority of faculty support the protest. This does not make President Bergeron a bad person; nor does it subtract from the positive things she has accomplished. But now she should listen to the students and faculty and do what is right for and in the best interest of the College as opposed to herself. Sometimes leaders think they are indispensable. This is almost never the case.
Another proud parent here. Standing in support of all of the students, faculty and staff that are peacefully protesting and taking action to correct this situation. I am disappointed in what I have seen from not only the Administration but also the BoT – especially since so many are alum. The apathy that was shown to the students in the BoT forum on Friday’s livestream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7RSyYZg6ok) was shameful. It may be time to look at revamping the BoT membership as well. To see what the cost of tuition, room and board is at Conn, and then to know that more often than not, students don’t bother to eat in Harris (or eat only pasta) and pay out of pocket to eat at Oasis or to order take-out because the quality of the food is abysmal…and that so many students are sick from the mold that is evident is so many living spaces – it is appalling and makes me wonder what exactly the College is doing with all the money from the tuition increases. The fact that so many students and staff are suffering…discrimination, bullying, threats, assaults…and the College doesn’t have the resources available to these students is disgraceful and neglectful. Conn Administration needs a serious self-examination and owes these students a better quality of life.
If some students feel they need to protest, they should do so, as long as they are not impeding other students’ access to classes and learning. Are the “protesting professors” teaching their classes? Is there any concern for the students not involved with the protests and their academic semesters?
I agree. Not all students are actively protesting. Some students want to prioritize their education by being in class. Most classes are being canceled, it’s up to each professor, and there’s no regard for the students not involved in protest.
It’s becoming a joke school, apparently you don’t send your kids to Conn for an education.
No one can get me out. I’m a boss bish.
If Leo Higdon or Norm Fainstein had done the exact same things, would there be calls for protest and sit-ins? An honest question.
If you are suggesting the reaction is because Bergeron is female, note that there were Fanning takeovers under the watch of two male Presidents, in 1971 and 1986. If that was not the point you were making, then I don’t really understand what you are saying.
Bergeron been needed to go and make too much money as the president. Proud of all the students standing up.
There is ZERO regard for education — professors have cancelled classes en masse. They’ve seemingly forgotten what higher-ed is all about (academics)
If that is the case, I certainly do not support this protest. If protesters and some professors want to take a stand on an issue, this is not the way to do it. Professors, look at yourselves in the mirror. There are a lot of constituents at a college. How is it ok to cancel classes for students that are there to learn? If you have issues with the president, figure it out on your own time.
It’s been ONE day of *some* cancelled classes. I daresay, on any given day, people’s kids miss class for less worthy causes.
Thanks for the update. That’s good to know. I look forward to classes resuming as scheduled tomorrow.
I’d say zero regard for students (harboring abusive workplace environments, racism, inequitable housing and social conditions) supercedes a few days of classes. Weird that you’re outraged about a week of class maximum rather than systemic racism and bigotry on campus. Speaks a lot on you as a person
^^ This. 100% this.
That’s because this is really a professor protest via students. The Dean who resigned over a dispute with Bergeron ran to the students to make it their issue. The students stretched outrage didn’t have a big enough scope, so now it’s old dorms, food etc.. The professors are canceling classes and coddling the trespassers with pizza and delivering supplies because it’s actually their fight! What a mess at a wonderful college that any student “should” be grateful to attend.
“A wonderful college” … maybe on the outside?
Have you read about the scope of mental health problems and depression among students? Where does that come from in this “wonderful college”?
Buildings (some of them obviously run down, so not that wonderful and in desperate need of repair), glossy expensive facilities and campus grounds are one thing, but the work and study atmosphere is quite another.
When not only minority students, but also a huge amount of the other students and a big part of faculty and staff say enough is enough, this should make BoT think.
This is about much more than mould in dorms, inadequate food or single grievances.
Read the available material, look at the reasons why they are protesting and stop bashing professors, who try their best to support students in a most stressful time!
Thank you faculty members!
The majority of students love Conn. and while they support their classmates, they’re not active protestors. Mental health is an issue all over the country in every age group post pandemic. There is no doubt improvements can be made to Conn, yes buildings can be improved and refurbished and DIEI should be fully funded. I agree with these points. I’m not bashing professors, but the one who ran to the press and told students to adopt his issues is now sitting in a cozy office at Umass Amherst without conflict. How ironic!
She apologized and didn’t hold the event, the reaction seems extreme. Can someone shed light on the real reason for the protest? Why kick her out? How are you going to afford elevators and new buildings without a fundraiser at the helm?
What is the point of having a fundraiser if the money is not going to essential expenses for student and staff safety and to advance the Connecticut College stated goals of true diversity and inclusion?
Agree. It does seem like there is something more going on here that is behind this. It’s hard to believe that a few hundred students have that much direct interaction with the president to engender such vitriol. If the bar for anyone is perfection, we will be cycling through presidents at an exponential rate. Even if the ultimate decision is to move on from this president, that needs to be a thoughtful, expansive search so that CC gets the best candidate available, not done in a fire drill. The way this is being reported doesn’t add up.
Sounds like at the core is a toxic work environment for staff and admins across the board and not just the DIEI issue. If she needs to be removed for fostering a toxic environment, fine, just don’t ask the students to the dirty work of pushing her out.
Totally agree with this! The students concerns are all over the place – from DIEI to mold to bad food.
But that’s exactly what’s happening. The students have adopted the staff issues and added their own issues. Should some changes happen? Yes. Is this extreme and over the top? Yes.
Does every college campus have room for improvement? Yes.
I am both an alum and a former employee and can say that the toxic work environment and culture of the school is like none I’ve experienced. I did not have many direct interactions with KB, but I can attest to the overall atmosphere of unprofessionalism, personal vendettas, and hostility that is a very open secret. Multiple complaints to HR yielded nothing. Does KB, as the president of the organization, own the responsibility of the culture and atmosphere? Maybe, maybe not, but she either knew about it and did nothing, or should have known. I can also say that as an alum, I have never and will never give money to Conn.
Former staff member here — Katherine Bergeron, along with several other staff members at the leadership level, harbor a toxic work environment. Multiple complaints made to Human Resources with no response. Personally, I was regularly asked to work overtime while being told to not bill that time, I was asked to be on-call constantly and consistently, and I was micromanaged from my direct manager, their manager, the VP of my department, and KB herself. It was an incredibly frustrating and maddening environment to work in. Katherine knows. She fosters this culture. Leadership knows, HR knows, the Board of Trustees know… This time is a call to action to finally remove the toxic leader from her position, so all groups — students, faculty, staff, alumni — can heal and improve.
Very disturbing to hear about the toxic environment from staff and former staff/alums.
A toxic staff and administrative environment should be an administrative and BOT issue. Feels unfortunate that the students are shouldering this within the frame of DIEI… are the staff and faculty walking out or sitting in as well?
The fact that staff, faculty and the BOT let it get so bad that the students need to protest does not inspire confidence in the leadership/oversight.
Staff have tried to bring it up but there are very little protections for staff, especially when compared to tenured faculty members. We were often asked to take the brunt of supporting students/making up for where environments were, at best, unsupportive, and and worst, hostile, with no extra compensation or recognition. It’s why nearly every position within DIEI has turned over once, if not twice, within the past 4-5 years– huge amounts of labor (often put on staff who have marginalized identities/are directly impacted by these issues), no support or recognition, and comparatively low pay.
Because it’s fun to protest and be mad over “racism” and stuff
Tucker Carlson? Is that you? Easy there big fella.
@Reality-Cheque, that is not accurate. My child has had her classes cancelled for this ENTIRE week, not including today or yesterday. Please do not spread misinformation.
I am not spreading any misinformation – My student has classes tomorrow. It clearly varies by professor. So, it is incorrect to say ALL classes are cancelled all week. Trust, my kid would love to not have class, lol. Will the kids be penalized for not attending? Probably not. But in my kid’s case, they clearly have the option. I’m sorry your kid does not.
You don’t believe students are learning this week? I know from my own kid that they are learning an INCREDIBLE amount about educational and fundraising systems, the value of change, use of language, the concepts and practices of real DIEI, and much more…
For my $$, I am thrilled that they are taking a stand and fighting in support of what is necessary for students, staff and faculty to have an excellent college experience.
Yeah, no thanks. I’m more interested in Bio, Chemistry, Economics, Literature for my tuition money. Appreciate that you think this is worth classes being cancelled but not everyone does. To reiterate, no problem with the students protesting as long as it does not impact other students’ access to classes and learning.
Not all students are protesting, but most are supporting classmates that protest and many are just curious. A lot of students would rather be in class and I’d imagine the majority of parents want their students in class. Students can protest all they want, go for it, but why do others have to miss class because of it? All students are not protesting! At some point, it will effect their grades and they will not get a pass!
As a faculty member, I want to share that we are in constant communication about how to support (if we wish to) the student protest without compromising our course objectives. Some classes have been cancelled, but in my realm at least, many or most are moving forward as planned. For those that have been cancelled, alternative activities and assignments have been developed.
As a brown, queer, non-binary alum, who helped create the lgbtq+ space/center in 2006-2007, I proudly join each student in protest and solidarity.
It is beyond time for President Bergeron to resign – immediately. Additionally, the Board of Trustees clearly needs a shakeup and restructuring.
In solidarity from Los Angeles
I have worked in many universities and Conn is by far the absolute worst. I experienced the most unbelievable exchanges of disrespect and outright racism. It became clear to me that senior leadership does not care, especially for BIPOC workers. Its a leadership network that protects those who bully. They all knew, KB knew, but there was no accountability, even when you follow “systems in place”. Maybe it’s because they see themselves in each other.
In solidarity.
Could someone please define the “toxic environment” on campus?
Sure am glad I went to college in the 90s…
KB looked at someone funny.
My student had all classes cancelled this week…at this point there seems to be consensus of no confidence in KB from students, faculty, staff, and probably a bunch of BOTs. She knows this, and undoubtedly will try to negotiate a favorable exit. At this point one can only hope that the BOT will appoint an interim president, address the concerns ***directly**** and get on with the semester!!!!
Oh my god what a joke of a “college”. How do you parents justify keeping your kids there even though they literally aren’t having classes?
Hiding behind an alias to comment…pretty lame.
Students don’t interact with KB. She does not have a student facing role. Do students now get to pick their college President? Where do you get your information? The real issue seems to be with the faculty and administration and her leadership style. And those meetings referred to in the faculty statement were senior admin/faculty meeting that most professors don’t attend. All students are not involved in the protest. KB actually does have support from alumni, professors, admin staff and the BOT.
Regular performance reviews along with 360 feedback for senior administration would likely have uncovered behavioral and performance issues that could have been addressed and remedied
Alum
They don’t do this at all. They ignore evidence. During my time, it was based on your “likability” or how you can participate in the toxic environment. People were placed in positions that they were not qualified for.
They don’t do this at all. They ignore evidence. During my time, it was based on your “likability” or how you can participate in the toxic environment. People were placed in positions that they were not qualified for.
A current BOT member, a former president of SFSU, survived his own debacle with anti-Semitism in 2017. He said it wasn’t his fault and he hired an “independent consultant.” In that case the students had to file a lawsuit before the university agreed, two years later, to the requested changes. And see the continued anti-Semitism at SFSU. Two questions: (1) why is this person on the BOT, and (2) is he advising KB to stall? During college recruiting season she is causing irreparable harm to Conn. Another ridiculous letter to parents today saying nothing. Like the voice of adults in a Peanuts cartoon.
I agree completely with this. How would you send your student to be a 2027 Camel knowing how little support KB has among students, faculty, and staff?
Thank you Conn Dad!
KB’s letter was patronising, almost sounded like “oh you know, there are some kids trying out free speech we let them try and see they don’t get hurt”.
I never read a letter this long with absolutely no content other than blah blah.
She could have saved the time and effort and met with the protesters instead.
Sure looks like she is trying to run down the clock to spring break, hoping the anger will cool down during midterms …
Well, as a Black, transgender, Jewish, and disabled woman, I stand with KB on this one.
^^^ This! I thought the same thing. She is resting all of her hope on students, faculty and staff dispersing for spring break and when they return not only will nothing have been done in their absence. Admin will most certainly pretend none of this ever happened then send some pithy, utterly apathetic email to parents (like all of the ones received thus far) with no legitimate information and/or claiming she “resolved” everything.
SVE has now repeatedly called Connecticut College “oppressive” and “abusive”. This is absurd.
Just because you feel “oppressed” and “abused” does not mean that those words accurately describe your condition. The protesters should try this: Go tell the people who cook food for you every day that you feel oppressed. Tell the people who clean your bathrooms that you feel oppressed. Walk to downtown New London and tell the people working for minimum wage, the construction workers suffering from arthritis, the immigrant taxi drivers, the public-school teachers, or the single parent living on food stamps that you feel oppressed. Head to a domestic shelter and tell them that you feel “abused” simply because you’re a minority living in America and attending one of most expensive colleges in the country. Or hop on a plane and head to the border—I’m sure the migrants there would love to hear about your oppression.
And please take a video of these conversations. I’m sure the footage would capture wonderful moments of solidarity and unity. Ha!
College is hard. Nevertheless, it’s absolutely disgusting that so many college students would describe their condition as “oppressed.” Is life generally harder for people of color? Yes. Have some students experienced real oppression or abuse? Absolutely. But it’s appalling to see such a large number of privileged people describe themselves using such extreme language.
Connecticut College students have completely lost sight of what it means to be an activist. Activism used to be about helping those who are really suffering. But at Conn, activism revolves around complaining about how hard it is to be a young person attending one of the best liberal arts schools in the country.
Rather than calling people racist or abusive or oppressive, or trying to have people fired, or creating obstacles to fundraising, DIEI and the protesters should consider substantive ways of helping people in need. They could be working to end the War on Drugs, helping to build more affordable housing, grappling with ways to improve public schools, advocating for the funding of vocational programs for the working class, helping ex-convicts get jobs, teaching financial literacy, or volunteering at local schools. Such actions are more difficult than occupying a building, yet they would actually make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling.
Charades such as the one we just witnessed have played out on Conn’s campus many times in the past. And this one is likely to repeat itself in four to eight years. Here’s why.
Studies have shown that greater diversity within an organization is beneficial to everyone. However, studies have also shown that DEI initiatives (as exemplified by the work of Conn’s DIEI department) have negligible benefits:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/17/opinion/dei-trainings-effective.html
Thanks to the recent work of Connecticut College activists, the future president will find is far more difficult to fundraise, since any fundraising venue deemed insufficiently antiracist will now be seen as a threat to the president’s job. This will mean less money raised for financial aid packages needed to ensure campus diversity. Simultaneously, more money will be spent on ineffective DIEI programs.
Today’s lack of real solutions will lead to tomorrow’s frustrations. Thus, in four to eight years, a new group of dissatisfied young people are likely to revive this damaging cycle of misguided activism. Like today’s students, they may falsely conclude that they are “oppressed”, “abused”, “tokenized”, and “dehumanized”, and that a “corrupt” administration is to blame. They will also likely believe that more funding for DIEI will somehow magically change things, even though it never has in the past. (Indeed, notice how none of the activists can explain in detail exactly how increased DIEI funding will help them feel less “oppressed.”)
A herd mentality will once again take shape. The faculty—terrified of being called “racist” and of getting poor class evaluations from students—will go along with the ride. The faculty’s grievances will once again be as vague as the students’ demands are deleterious, since the faculty’s main goal will simply be to show “solidarity” with the students.
Fear of being called “racist”, “oppressive”, or “abusive” is a powerful force. It’s easier to join the herd than risk the social ostracization that comes from being branded, especially on a small college campus with only one student newspaper. Thus, the herd mentality will once again be enhanced when the College Voice starts covering these new activists. Like this year, it is likely that not a single article or opinion piece will give voice to those who question the movement, though many reasonable people will attempt to express legitimate concerns. Since any statement of disapproval risks severe condemnation, critical thinking—or any attempt to explain or understand alternate perspectives—will be lacking. As in years past, the College Voice will become categorically part of the movement apparatus rather than a neutral observer.
Essentially, progress will continue to be stifled as long as young people believe flawed ideas about what constitutes effective activism. What students don’t understand is this: To the extent that there is inequity or inequality at Conn, it is due to forces beyond the walls of the school. Privileged people bring their advantages with them onto the campus. They are not given advantages once they arrive. That’s why real activism should be directed outward—at society—instead of inward, where it remains within the confines of the college bubble.
Here are some examples of what real activism might look like.
• Students could learn about how the War on Drugs has caused so much needless suffering. Ending it would significantly help lessen mass incarceration, reduce gang violence, minimize the appeal of selling drugs, help people with addictions, and decrease the number of tense interactions between police officers and citizens. Indeed, 83% percent of the country believes the War on Drugs has failed. Connecticut College students could be organizing people from multiple liberal arts colleges around the idea of radically reshaping current drug policy. Once they’re organized, they could head to Washington and protest there.
• Students could learn about current housing policy in the New London area, learn about NIMBYism, and develop ideas for how more affordable housing could be built for low-income families in the area. If there are people standing in their way, they could consider protesting them.
• Students could volunteer at local schools or allow local students to visit campus to receive free tutoring. Imagine if every Conn student tutored a New London high school student for a couple hours every week. It could make a big difference in people’s lives.
• Students could think about how the idea of equity is related to vocational training for the working class. Has a focus on equity caused us as a society to push too many people into college? Are there ways for Conn’s maintenance team to offer apprenticeships for New London residents, where they could learn skills that would help them find employment elsewhere?
• Students could work with local government agencies (or local law enforcement) to see if there are ways you can help ex-convicts find employment. Many people with a record are unable to get even the most low-level jobs. If government policy or bureaucracies are standing in the way of change, consider organizing people from multiple liberal arts college to protest such policies.
• Students could teach financial literacy to those who lack it. Such instruction could benefit people’s lives tremendously ten years from now. Rich white guys understand basic investing principles more than any other demographic. Connecticut College students could work to change that.
Hopefully, reading about alternative forms of activism will help students see things from a different perspective. I wish them the best of luck.
You have perfectly summed up this entire situation better than anyone. Many students did not agree with the protests, but the group think on campus was too strong for these students to have a voice. Bergeron has now resigned. Do the students realize all their demands, which require fundraising dollars will NOT happen? No fundraising will take place this spring, which will set the college back…
If the college chooses a DIEI sympathizer, that person will be unlikely to raise money for the student grievances? Great point about one school paper on campus and only one view. I don’t think many realized they were being fed the equivalent of state media.
These students were played by an ex-Dean who wanted retaliation against Bergeron, we can guess they didn’t see eye to eye on the direction of his department. Bergeron canceled tge fundraiser before he resigned and he had another job all lined up. He’s no profile in courage! Dean King knew the faculty didn’t support her. The students aren’t heroes here and they didn’t win anything. They hurt their own college and seem to be unaware. Agreed, the students didn’t improve the lives of others living in poverty, fighting “real” injustices daily, or struggling with unemployment or disabilities. They just think they got their way by locking themselves into a building and holding their breathe before turning blue, all while shutting down classes for the entire college. It’s laughable they think something was accomplished, I’d go do far too say, they are less prepared for life with these antics. In the real world, you can’t lock yourself into a building without being arrested and charged and law enforcement will not be delivering snacks, while you trespass…