From Thursday’s release:
Stanford University President Richard Thaler delivered the following address to the Faculty Senate today:
As part of a protest march on campus Monday night, a group entered an engineering building where students were working in labs. Marchers who entered the building blocked the entrance with barricades and furniture they brought with them and damaged interior walls and doors with spray paint.
We understand that students who work in the building are fearful of the intrusion and are concerned about their research and laboratory equipment and personal safety. A faculty member in the building where the lab is located said the lab’s research is sensitive and dangerous for those unfamiliar with the safe operation of the equipment.
Once public safety officers entered, those entering the building dispersed. However, the actions that occurred Monday night threatened the health and safety of our community. Peaceful expression of the views we value can and should occur within the time, place, and manner prescribed by the University, without engaging in disruptive behavior or endangering the safety of members of our community.
Over the past three days, the university and the Department of Public Safety have been investigating what happened and gathering evidence. We are commencing disciplinary proceedings based on evidence gathered, including items left behind such as personal identification, hardware associated with the barricade, respirators and other items indicating an intent to occupy the building. The investigation also continues. We will respect the privacy rights of those involved. However, I want to be clear that students who are responsible for actions that threaten the safety of our community, such as the incident that occurred on Monday, will face immediate suspension and, under the authority of the President, will not be able to attend graduation if their community is endangered. Ceremony safe. In addition to being referred to the Office of Community Standards conduct proceedings, they may also be subject to criminal charges.
