People, Politics, and Protest: Conversations vs Confrontation

College Campuses Creating Safe Spaces

DELMARVA – The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) released a report on hate crime statistics across the nation. Numbers show hate crimes haven’t been this high since 1991, and shockingly, 30% of the crimes reported, happened at a school or on a college campus.

Salisbury University says student safety is a top priority in today’s society. Their representative described how the campus aligns with freedom of speech- and the measures the university takes to create a safe space for everyone.

“Institutions of higher learning have a responsibility, not just to some but for all. To humankind.” Salisbury University Alumni and NAACP Representative, Dorien Rogers, was one of many people who shared his views with us concerning the recent protest across college campuses. Delmarva, however, has stayed out of the National news when it comes to college students protesting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Simultaneously, they have respected the communities’ right to protest and their freedom of speech.

Carlos Holmes, spokesperson, and historian for Delaware State University let us know where the University stands on the lack of censorship. “We expect our students to respect the First Amendment rights of others, so we certainly should respect the students’ First Amendment rights. The only thing we say is that, you know, it should be done in a way that does not infringe upon someone else’s rights, that it- respects others’ rights.”

University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Director of Public Safety Robert Harty was happy to speak on how the Lower Shore handles these conflicts. “I think that our history as an HBCU underscores this institution’s commitment to free speech and peaceful protest. I also think that our student body is small enough that they understand that collaboration is better than confrontation. We constantly emphasize that we have a family culture at UMES- and I think our students appreciate that. We certainly hope and pray that continues.”

Jason Rhodes Public Relations Director and University Spokesperson for Salisbury University said they provide safe space for students at all times, not just in times of conflict. “We’ve had student demonstrations on campus… safe space for this demonstration and safe space for counter demonstration as the need arises.” He wanted to make note that at the university- education is key. “Our political science department and our international studies program last semester hosted an event on campus where they invited members of the campus community to come in for a discussion on the historical roots of the conflict, pertinent international law, and possible passing of peace. So we’re making sure our students are well educated in what’s going on.” He wasn’t the only one who believed education on these topics was important. Dorien Rhodes agreed with his Alma Mater stating, “It’s crucial, especially in developing independent thought on the politics of, quite frankly, our country and our world.”

College campuses across the nation have made strides towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion- Delaware…