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Dear Wayne State faculty, staff, and students, I have a brief update on some of the events on campus since my last message. As I mentioned yesterday, to help mitigate health and safety concerns at the encampment, the university provided two temporary toilets and a dumpster. Unfortunately, there was no evidence that the occupants responded to our requests to return equipment relocated from other campus sites and roadways and to plan to dismantle the encampment. Last night, two peaceful rallies were hosted at the encampment, which as of earlier today, had grown in size and density. The perimeter has been reinforced with pallets, tarps, and other materials. While we have never seen open flame at the encampment, nevertheless the aggregation of large amounts of combustible material poses a danger to the occupants and the campus. This afternoon, Vice President Patrick Lindsey again visited the encampment. During this visit, the occupants instructed him to stay outside, while they engaged from inside the perimeter wall. He shared information on an upcoming presentation on the university’s investment process planned for our next public board meeting that could be of interest to the occupants. He reiterated that university leadership has been and will always be open to meeting with students on issues important to them. Vice President Lindsey also noted that his request for the occupants to return relocated equipment did not result in any action and he observed that the encampment had grown. Finally, he stated that the encampment must be dismantled. This interaction was also recorded, and you can watch it here. As president of Wayne State, I want you to know that I am hearing from many of you and from others on this challenging situation. There are many perspectives, and I am listening. Sincerely,
Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy |
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