3/22/2024

Dear Campus Community,

We have received some follow-up questions about the investigation scope and process, and I want to acknowledge and respond to these questions by sharing additional information in this message, and let you know that we have developed FAQs that are available here. I also want to provide related information about the investigation as it intersects with a resolution recently passed by the ASUPS Senate.

Investigation Scope and Process
Regarding the scope of the investigation, the university is collecting information and witness accounts that will allow for a full and fair assessment of the issues that arose from the disruption and ultimate cancellation of the Susan Resneck Pierce Lecture on February 21, 2024. This work includes a review of university faculty, staff, students, and administrators who observed or were involved in the event in any way to ascertain whether there are any possible violations of university policies or community standards, and this must be done quickly in order to meet the timelines established in the Faculty Code and to try and conclude the review by the end of the semester. This review also encompasses a review of our safety planning processes and relevant policies.

Interviews will be held with one or two attorneys from Davis Wright Tremaine either in person on campus or by Zoom. Anyone who prefers not to be interviewed may also contribute information or any related documentation by submitting to this email address: pugetsoundinvestigation@dwt.com. Anonymous submissions can be made, but they may be of more limited value. Anyone who has additional questions about the interview can also email pugetsoundinvestigation@dwt.com.

At this stage we do not know what recommendations or findings might result from this work. We will receive a written summary or other type of report at the conclusion of the investigation that will be appropriate for distribution to the campus community. This report will not identify any individuals who participated (or not) and will not attribute specific comments to individuals.

Intersection of the Investigation with Issues Raised in the ASUPS Resolution
The ASUPS Senate recently adopted “Senate Resolution 24-01 regarding the response to the protest during the Susan Resneck Pierce Lecture on Feb. 21, 2024.” Please know that the concerns expressed in that resolution are already being taken seriously. As noted above, Davis Wright Tremaine is now conducting an independent investigation to thoroughly examine the events of February 21, and we have shared the resolution with the investigators.

Although I appreciate there is ongoing engagement and interest in this topic, we do not want to compromise the investigation by making any substantive comments about the resolution at this time. Any member of our campus community, including any member of ASUPS, is encouraged to reach out to pugetsoundinvestigation@dwt.com to share their individual insights, experiences, concerns, or perspective related to the lecture, the protest, the disruption and cancellation of the lecture, and the university’s response. This input is invaluable in ensuring that the investigation is comprehensive and will help inform any recommendations or findings.

This is a difficult time for our university, country, and global community. We are experiencing increased polarization on many topics and accompanying challenges in our ability to really listen to and learn from each other. But this is the promise and hard work required of being a university of ideas. We believe there is much to be learned from these events that will help us strengthen our commitment to embodying the mission and values of a liberal arts institution, including inclusiveness, constructive dialogue, and civil discourse. Thank you for your continued engagement and dedication to the welfare of our university community.

For additional information, please see my previous communications to the campus community on February 22, February 26, and March 18 about this investigation.

Sincerely,

Isiaah Crawford, President