Safety and support this weekend
Dear students,
Earlier this week, President Reif emailed the community to reaffirm our commitment to open discourse, our rejection of hateful and bigoted ideologies, and our desire to "work for goodwill among us all." With his message in mind, I am writing to share information about an event taking place tomorrow.
The City of Boston is preparing for a rally tomorrow, from noon to 2:00 pm, on Boston Common. Police will have a significant presence on and around the Common in anticipation of large crowds gathering. They will also be searching backpacks, and items that could be used as weapons—such as sticks attached to signs—are prohibited.
Given what unfolded in Charlottesville last weekend, I recognize that you may have concerns or strong feelings about this event. If you are looking for some support, please contact the Dean on Call, who can connect you to MIT Medical, MIT Police, Mental Health and Counseling, and other support resources. Additionally, students who want to discuss issues can find numerous resources across MIT, including the following:
- International Students Office
- Institute Community and Equity Office
- LBGT@MIT
- MIT Chaplains
- Office of Multicultural Programs
- Women at MIT
A diverse campus community is core to MIT's mission, and as President Reif reminds us, we are committed to ensuring that each MIT student enjoys the freedoms guaranteed by the "enduring institutions and ideals of our civil society." Whatever your plans may be this weekend, please be aware of your surroundings, stay safe, and reach out to the Dean on Call if you need our assistance.
Best regards,
Suzy M. Nelson
Vice President and Dean for Student Life