Ceylon Mooney
Dear Hampton University administration,
I was reading a report about a nov 2. student walkout recently. Coming across the portions detailing the responses to the walkout by adminstration and agents of the university, I noted to myself that China is still a good ways away from tolerating the necessary tools for developing democracy–then I reread the article and noted that the walkout was at Hampton University in Virginia.
How appalling! The reactions of campus police/security and the administration–especially the threats of expulsion–go way beyond irresponsible and abuse of power. This is the kind of bullying you’d expect out of a more controlled society such as CHINA or SAUDI ARABIA! Does this school exist for the benefit of the students? If so, then
-drop all charges and cancel all hearings against the student activists
-change your restrictive policy on student protests and demonstrations as recommended by student activists
-issue an apology, in person and before the entire student body, to all students threatened and hassled by security and the administration…this activity is a threat to the student body
-immediately schedule an open meeting to listen to Hampton students who wish to petition the security and administration for a redress of grievances
-solicit submissions/petitions/suggestions from the student body regarding change in school policy as necessary to support the development of democratic ideals and principles on campus
The university administration’s reaction to this walkout is, at best, shameful.
yours,
ceylon mooney
co-coordinator, Wheels of Justice Tour, Voices for Creative Nonviolence