Dear Campus Leadership,

As protests on university campuses continue to grow across the nation, we continue to actively monitor and plan for similar activity on our campus. This week, we have been made aware that several SJSU student groups are considering an encampment on campus akin to the protests taking place. Campus leaders have been planning for this possibility for several weeks.

First and foremost, we place the safety of our campus community at the forefront of this planning. As stated in our university values, San José State University respects free expression while also ensuring that continuity of student education and instruction and other vital operations will continue.

During this time, the university will remain open and fully operational.

Our Student Involvement team continues to be in direct contact with leaders of at least one student group likely to participate, and we anticipate maintaining a positive, productive relationship with our recognized student organizations (RSOs) through this challenging time.

We regularly work with students and student groups to ensure that they understand our Presidential Directive on Freedom of Expression and Time, Place and Manner (TPM) and how to engage in free speech activities without violating this policy and have done so in this case as well. Encampments are in violation of the TPM policy unless there is written approval provided by an authorized representative of our Facilities Development and Operations (FD&O) department. In addition, SJSU student, faculty and/or staff organizations may be held accountable for damage or misconduct caused by their invited guests.

Violence, vandalism or acts of discrimination or harassment toward members of our community cannot be tolerated. We take those concerns very seriously. We will continue to initiate outreach to those groups who may view such actions as threatening to their safety and well-being. 

Staff and faculty can direct questions or concerns to their department and division managers. Students can direct questions or concerns to the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs at v[email protected]. If you see or hear any activities likely to cause harm or risk to an individual, group or the campus community, please notify the University Police Department immediately.

We will continue to provide updates to the campus community as necessary. A campus message will be sent out shortly providing a reminder of our TPM policy.

Sincerely,

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson

President

(She/Her/Ella)