Senate Speaks on Assault Issues

Dear President Dye:

As the elected representatives of the student body, and as students ourselves we write to you to express student sentiment on a matter of great import. We refer to the attack of a student in Barnard.
Student Senate unequivocally and unanimously rejects violence in any form on this campus. Acts of violence against students are intolerable and warrant a strong and appropriately severe response. No member of the Oberlin community should be afraid to live their life or continue their education.
As outlined by Dean [of Students Peter] Goldsmith in the preamble to the Rules and Regulations, “members of the College community remain beholden to the laws of the City of Oberlin that govern the behavior of its citizens, even while we attempt to hold ourselves to a still higher standard.” (emphasis added)
Pertaining to the Barnard assault, we the Student Senate are deeply troubled by reports from several students that indicate they are very concerned for their safety due to the continued presence of those individuals involved in the assault.
We implore you as the President to consider the matter fully, as the last level of judicial review. This is a matter of critical importance. It raises concerns with student safety, and freedom of expression.
Oberlin must speak with one voice against violence in all forms.

–Aaron Leavy
College senior
Student Senate Liaison
On behalf of Oberlin College Student Senate