Official College Statements

Official college statements are written to make major announcements or provide sensitive or critical information to our entire college community and the public, and they should be issued sparingly. Only the president and her designee have authority to make official statements on behalf of the college.

While Harper College does not often take an official position on political, geopolitical and/or social issues, events, and crises, please understand that the absence of an official college position on an issue or event is not a reflection of our lack of empathy or concern as an institution. Because of the diversity of backgrounds and beliefs at our institution, we believe that releasing official statements could serve to discourage others from expressing their views and developing relationships at the college. As a higher education institution, we both value and have a responsibility to protect the fundamental constitutional right to free speech and freedom of expression and promote a diversity of ideas and viewpoints, even if individuals disagree with these opinions or find them deeply offensive.

We encourage faculty, staff, and students to discuss, deliberate, discover, and share perspectives without constraint because we value and encourage free expression and meaningful connections among diverse individuals with different viewpoints. Particularly in times of crisis, it is critical that our community be provided space to grieve, process, talk, and feel safe in doing so. As our college community navigates polarized times of crisis and conflict, we are committed to demonstrating care and compassion, providing opportunities to be heard, and offering the support and resources everyone needs to succeed in their academic and career endeavors at Harper and beyond.