Clarifying our Policies and Procedures

December 12, 2023

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,

In recent weeks, our campus has witnessed a wide range of gatherings and events in response to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Some of these events have been characterized by moments of unrest that have caused members of our community to fear for their safety. While Rutgers–New Brunswick is a public institution that protects and values free speech and an open exchange of ideas, this exchange cannot come at the expense of individual and campus safety. Below I offer clarification of the university’s policies and procedures for responding to incidents of unrest. 

Both individuals and Rutgers-affiliated organizations who violate the Rutgers University Code of Student Conduct and/or the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, known as Title 2c, will be held accountable. This means that, while organizations are governed by the Student Affairs Code of Conduct for Student Organizations, individuals can and will be held to account for their own actions separate from the activities of any group, with possible consequences up to and including expulsion from the university.

One recent incident that occurred at the Rutgers Business School facility in Piscataway has raised questions about the use of academic buildings and the disruption of activities therein. To better understand this incident and the events that led up to it, I have instructed the Rutgers University Police Department to complete a full and thorough investigation, which is currently underway. In the meantime, I can share only that, as with other related incidents, individual students and a student organization have been notified of possible conduct violations. The review process for conduct violations is ongoing and confidential.

Finally, I want to provide additional detail to my message from last week outlining steps my administration will take to help ensure a safe and inclusive campus environment. One step involved the creation of advisory groups to the chancellor with the goal of combating antisemitism and Islamophobia.  Nominations to these advisory groups are underway and will comprise Jewish and Muslim students, faculty, and staff. The full composition of the members serving as advisors will be announced on my website in the coming days. Additionally, I have begun establishing a task force specific to Rutgers–New Brunswick that will review our various codes of conduct for clarity and comprehensiveness.

My commitment to providing an inclusive environment for our campus and fostering the free exchange of ideas is only possible when we are a community of agreed-upon standards that apply to everyone. When our community is safe, our students, faculty, and staff can focus on fulfilling their most ambitious goals and academic pursuits. I will continue to provide updates on the composition and the work of these task forces as plans are finalized. Until then, thank you for doing your part in contributing to a climate that values respectful dialogue while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all members of our campus community.  

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick