HANOVER, N.H. (WCAX) – Faculty at Dartmouth have voted to censure school President Sian Beilock over the college’s response to pro-Palestinian protests earlier this month, according to the college’s newspaper, The Dartmouth.
Local police on May 1 arrested 90 protesters at a pro-Gaza encampment. A 65-year-old professor was among those caught up in the mass arrest and was caught on video being shoved to the ground by officers.
More than 200 faculty members have signed a faculty-led petition in support of the president and another petition from alumni and families recently surpassed 4,000 signatures.
In a statement, Beilock admitted the last few months have been a tumultuous time for higher education and Dartmouth is no exception. “The result of the vote reflects the deeply divided feelings across the nation and around the world about the Israel-Hamas war, and, here at home, concerns about some of the language and other issues related to the protests, the involvement of police in addressing protest encampments, and the best ways to keep our community safe. Input from a community as devoted as ours is invaluable and serves to strengthen connection and understanding. We are focused on supporting one another, on continuing to make space for dialogue across difference, and on moving forward together,” she said.
Beilock told faculty Monday that the students arrested will not face suspension or expulsion.