Update from the Fence Working Group

December 10, 2025

Members of the CMU community,

We’re writing to share how the Fence Working Group has been spending the fall and what we anticipate for our work as we move into next semester.

Over the past few months, we’ve been learning about the Fence from many perspectives — and from many of you. With the aid of archival records, we revisited its century-long history and the ways it has helped build connection and belonging at CMU, which is central to the University’s Strategic Framework. In a series of meetings, we also spent time understanding the distinctive characteristics of the Fence as a medium of communication and considering how the University’s Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression policies and practices apply to this unique medium. These two themes — community and expression — have guided our work this semester.

The Fence Working Group website describes its members as having been chosen by President Jahanian for their independent voices, and the group is operating independently from the President’s Office to fulfill its charge. During the fall, we heard from many students, alumni, faculty, staff and others who care deeply about the Fence and what it represents. You described experiences and expressed concerns, questions and hopes, and all of that has helped us better understand the Fence’s role in CMU life today.

In the spring, we’ll focus on listening. Members of the working group will host small-group gatherings where people can share views, ask questions and talk with us directly. We’ll provide more details early next semester. In the meantime, anyone who’d like to offer thoughts or feedback can reach us anytime at fenceworkinggroup@andrew.cmu.edu.

We also know many people are wondering what recommendations may eventually come from this work. While it’s too early to offer specifics, we’re approaching this process with care. Any recommendations we make should honor the Fence’s long-standing role as a student-centered medium of expression, reflect what we've learned from our outreach, and align with the University’s principles of Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression. This will help us move forward with a thoughtful, sustainable plan for the Fence.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to connect with us so far. We’ll continue to send updates as our work moves ahead, and we look forward to more conversations.

The Fence Working Group