Subject: Urgent Appeal for Amnesty for Students Involved in Recent Protests
Dear Interim Chancellor Roberts,
We write to you today as concerned members of the UNC-Chapel Hill faculty and staff regarding the recent events surrounding the pro-Palestinian protests on our campus. Specifically, we urge you to grant amnesty to the students who have faced disciplinary actions following their participation in these demonstrations.
Over 700 of our colleagues have signed a petition echoing this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of allowing these students to continue their academic pursuits without fear of repercussions. Furthermore, it has come to our attention that certain instructors have threatened to withhold grades as a form of protest, which not only violates our duty to our students but also undermines the integrity of our institution.
As educators, we firmly believe in the principles of free expression and peaceful protest. However, it is unacceptable for our students to bear the brunt of administrative actions that contradict these principles. By providing amnesty to the suspended students and addressing the concerns raised by our faculty and graduate TAs, we can uphold the values of fairness and justice that are central to our university community.
We understand the complexities of the situation and the need to uphold order on campus, but we implore you to consider the broader implications of punitive measures against our students. In doing so, we can reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are respected and upheld.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we trust in your leadership to guide us through this challenging time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Title]
UNC-Chapel Hill Faculty/Staff
