May 1, 2024

President Cruz Rivera and the NAU Administration:

In recent weeks, there has been increasing tension on college campuses around encampments protesting Israeli use of violence against the Palestinian people. These demonstrations connect to a long and valuable tradition of student activism, from the protests of the Vietnam War to the
protests opposing Apartheid in South Africa. History has shown that these demonstrations and other student movements have been a wellspring for engagement among college students and have played an essential role in the moral and ethical growth of the United States.

On April 30th, the students of NAU joined this broader movement by setting up an encampment on the lawn near the NAU bookstore. The day before the encampment, the University sent an email stating that “expressive activities and temporary structures are prohibited on campus
outside of standard operating times of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.” This statement opened the door for NAU administration to justify using law enforcement. Indeed, this is exactly what occurred after 10pm on April 30th, unfortunately transforming what was a peaceful, nonviolent protest into a
destructive and harmful experience for all.

As we have seen historically at Kent State and recently at Columbia, UT Austin, Cal Poly, and other universities, the use of police by university administrators has never led to a de-escalation. NAU is currently ranked as the university in Arizona with the highest “free speech” rating, and
bringing in the police, arresting students, and/or punishing student protestors with suspensions is a direct attack on the cherished value of free speech.

As faculty, staff, and administrators, we aim to guide students in their intellectual, ethical, and spiritual journey of self-discovery and growth. For many of our students, this is part of that mission. We affirm our students’ rights to free expression and peaceful assembly. We urge you to:
● Stop arresting students in peaceful protest
● Avoid punitive measures on protest organizers
● Advocate for all students by protecting free speech

Part of NAU’s vision is “to be the nation’s...premier driver of social impact.” Student-led protests have historically driven social impact in this nation and around the world. Our students deserve space to voice their opinions peacefully and without fear of arrest or other repercussions to their
educational and career pathways.