Liebowitz responds to Campus

Author: Polly Johnson

On Thursday, Feb. 23, President of the College Ronald D. Liebowitz sent out an e-mail to all students, faculty and staff in response to last week's Middlebury Campus article, "Incident reveals racial tension," covering the racial incident and subsequent Community Judicial Board (CJB) hearing that took place during J-Term. Beginning by stating that it is "not normally [his] custom to respond to specific articles in The Campus newspaper," Liebowitz continued by explicating the College's policy against racism at Middlebury and explaining the administration's response to the incident that was reported. This is in fact the second occurrence since Liebowitz's inauguration in which he has responded to a Campus article with an all-school e-mail - the first time was to criticize the decision to include cartoon in the Opinions section depicting former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as Hitler.

Liebowitz stated that "Middlebury College does not and will not tolerate racist conduct at any time, and members of this community should expect severe action should they violate that fundamental policy which is at the very core of this institution's values."

He continued by defending the manner in which the incident was handled by the administration, outlining the process that follows when an incident such as this is reported. First, he stated, "the College looks into the facts. Second, if the actions in question are serious enough to merit suspension, the case goes to a judicial hearing, where the students involved have an opportunity to explain their sides of the story. Third, a judgment is made by the CJB and, if the Board so votes, disciplinary action is then taken." Noting that the hearing is confidential, he made it clear that it is not standard practice for the College to comment on what goes on in judicial hearings.

Dean of the College Tim Spears said that the Human Relations Committee will present its draft recommendations and that an open forum will be scheduled in the near future. Liebowitz expressed his support for an open discussion, stating in the e-mail, "I do believe that we can develop more effective protocols for communicating about events like this one, and I look forward to the Human Relations Committee's recommendations in this area."

Sending the e-mail out on the Thursday night of Winter Carnival weekend seemed to be deliberate, as Liebowitz cited the "excessive drinking" involved in the incident. On a weekend known for a greater alcohol consumption than normal, Liebowitz reasoned with the student body, writing, "As the College begins Winter Carnival, and as we all look forward to a weekend of celebration, it is my hope that you will act with respect towards each other and with respect for yourselves."