Statement of President Barchi on Peaceful Student Protests

December 9, 2014

Rutgers students have a long tradition of effectively speaking out over the years for the cause of civil and human rights.  In the past few weeks, many of them have honored this legacy by taking part in peaceful marches and demonstrations to draw attention to the concerns we all share about the recent grand jury decisions that have sparked protest in communities across the nation.  I take pride in our students’ activism, and I want all our students to know that I strongly support their right to conduct and participate in peaceful protests. Ensuring the safety and civil rights of all Americans is fundamentally important to me, to our university, and to our democracy, and we must always work to protect and defend these rights.