Next Steps for The Fence and Campus Dialogue

Dear Members of the CMU Community,

As a follow up to my message last week, I wish to share an update on The Fence.

First, The Fence is open for messages once again. I want to thank Student Government for their understanding when I asked to pause Fence activity to allow me to engage with the leadership of the Faculty Senate, Staff Council, the Alumni Association Board and the Board of Trustees. While these conversations are ongoing, we all agreed that the use of The Fence has impacts and implications beyond an individual or group’s right to speak their mind, especially when you consider engagement at the Fence over the past few years.

It is time to unpack these issues through a dedicated working group that includes representation from students, faculty, staff and alumni. Over the summer, I will consult with representatives from these groups to develop a charge and then launch this effort in the fall when campus is back in full session. The partnership of Student Government is critical to this effort, and I am grateful for their leadership. You have my assurance that we will not undermine the cherished legacy of The Fence, or the role it plays in the life of our student community every day.

Sexual violence causes profound harm, and I regret that my previous message did not unequivocally acknowledge the pain of sexual assault. As I often say in the context of free speech, the speaker should bear the responsibility for conveying the true intent of their message, not the listener. There are no excuses. I am deeply sorry.

I also fully acknowledge that the presence of President Trump on our campus has angered and hurt many in our community. How we engage with the federal government — especially on policies and positions that undermine our mission or are at odds with our values — is a legitimate and complex conversation, and we should continue to have that dialogue. At the same time, this is distinct from the discussion about the future of The Fence tradition. I am committed to creating space for both conversations.

As The Fence re-opens today, there are no new rules or changes to the tradition to convey. I only ask for our community members to consider the impact of their words on others, and the collateral damage of dialogue that takes place through slogans.

Thank you for continuing to engage with care as we work through these complex issues together.

Warm regards,

Farnam Jahanian
President
Henry L. Hillman President's Chair