Dear students, faculty, and staff,
The university’s administration condemns racism, bigotry, and hatred. These concepts run contrary to our values, our principles, and our mission to educate. Our educational mission and our stewardship of this physical campus call us to work toward eliminating prejudice and discrimination. While some may disagree with how this should be done, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this goal.
At the same time, it is clear that not all of society has embraced this goal or the values that we teach in our university community, which makes the public areas of our campus, like others in the nation, a place where some may choose to express their ideas. The United States Constitution gives people the right to express their views, within the limits of the law, even if we find their views offensive and contrary to our pursuits. Safety is our top priority this week, and we remain fully committed to preserving a secure campus environment. All of our policies and laws remain in effect. We have made no concessions otherwise, and we did not change our policies to accommodate any particular group.
Updates, as needed, will continue to be sent via email and posted to olemiss.edu/updates.
Friday – The external group previously scheduled to march decided not to do so. A student group has requested to march at 3 p.m. and will meet with university authorities to finalize planning. Due to the feedback received from campus constituents, there will be an increased police presence if this march takes place.
Saturday – An external group will march from the city to campus. We are advising all people to avoid University Avenue and the Circle between 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, February 23. Other areas of campus are not likely to be affected. UPD will be in touch with building mayors for the buildings along this route.
These events continue to be fluid as information is being evaluated continuously. We will keep you posted of changes that affect the UM community and schedules.
If you have an event scheduled on either of these dates, contact the Provost’s Office or send information to provost@olemiss.edu. If you have security-related questions or information you would like to share, contact the University Police Department at 662-915-7234. Updates will be posted at olemiss.edu/updates. If necessary, emergency messages will be sent using the regular channels, including the LiveSafe app, RebAlert, and posts at emergency.olemiss.edu.
Thank you to all who are doing their part to contribute to the safety of our university community.
Interim Chancellor
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs