Barnard College’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has recently taken a stand against the school’s new community conduct guidelines. These guidelines, outlined in a statement from President Laura Rosenbury, aim to clarify the college’s core values of inclusion and continuous learning by providing examples of permitted and prohibited behavior for Barnard community members.
The guidelines specifically address behaviors that were seen during student protests at Barnard and Columbia University last spring, such as displaying signage in residence halls, projecting lights onto school building exteriors, and erecting unauthorized tents. Additionally, the guidelines outline behavioral directives for Barnard employees, stating that posting political signs on office doors and supporting one geopolitical viewpoint while denigrating another is against the college’s values.
The Barnard AAUP has condemned these guidelines, stating that they infringe on freedom of expression and academic freedom. The statement argues that the guidelines accelerate the dismantling of faculty governance and revision of college policies by President Rosenbury. This sentiment is echoed in an April vote where the chapter’s 102 members unanimously expressed no confidence in Rosenbury’s leadership.
Following the AAUP vote, Barnard faculty conducted a poll and overwhelmingly passed a vote of no confidence in Rosenbury. The Barnard AAUP is calling for the immediate rescinding of the guidelines and for community decisions to involve the community once again.
In response to the criticism, a Barnard spokesperson emphasized the college’s commitment to free speech and academic freedom, as well as creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. However, President Rosenbury was not available for comment on the matter.
The new guidelines come amidst an already tense year for Barnard, with pro-Palestine student protests and building occupations at Columbia leading to mass arrests and academic sentences. The Barnard AAUP’s stance has received support from the national organization, with President Todd Wolfson calling the guidelines a violation of shared governance principles.
As the debate continues, faculty, students, and staff at Barnard are navigating a challenging time. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank has heightened emotions for many, including adjunct professor Liana Finck. Despite differing opinions, Finck believes that maintaining social connections and striving for peaceful coexistence should be the primary goal for all involved.
In conclusion, the Barnard community is grappling with issues of free speech, academic freedom, and community governance. The debate surrounding the new guidelines reflects broader tensions within the college and underscores the importance of open dialogue and collaboration in addressing complex issues.
