3/18/2024

Dear Campus Community,

I am writing to provide an update into the external investigation into the disruption that resulted in the cancellation of the Susan Resneck Pierce lecture on February 21. As I mentioned in my message to campus on February 26, we are thoroughly reviewing the events that resulted in the disruption of the lecture as well as reviewing relevant university policies, community standards, and protocols, including investigating any alleged violations of those policies and standards that may have occurred.

Investigators from Davis Wright Tremaine (DWT) have been reviewing information and will be arranging interviews with faculty, staff, and students over the next two weeks in order to develop a factual summary of events and provide any relevant recommendations and findings.  We encourage anyone contacted to participate in the investigation; however, participation is not required.  Recommendations or findings will be based on the information available, which will then be applied in any related resolution processes for faculty, staff, or students, as applicable.

Anyone who has specific questions about the interview process and participation in the investigation, who separately wishes to speak with the investigators about the lecture, protest, or university’s response, or who wishes to provide relevant information should send an email to pugetsoundinvestigation@dwt.com. It is within DWT’s sole discretion to determine what information or interviews will be necessary or relevant to the investigation.

We are aiming to conclude the investigations and any subsequent individual resolutions under our processes by the end of this semester if possible and to complete the review into campus policies and protocols by the end of the summer.  As I previously stated, anyone who is found to have violated the Student Integrity Code, Code of Conduct, Faculty Code, or other relevant university policies and community standards, including prohibitions against violence, harassment and discrimination, will be held appropriately accountable. Please remember that confidentiality protections for faculty, staff, and student information may prevent the university from sharing any individual outcomes.

I will continue to provide updates and information as I can. I appreciate your continued cooperation and reflection as we seek to assure that we provide a safe and inclusive environment for members of our campus community, consistent with our values and mission as a liberal arts institution.

Sincerely,

Isiaah Crawford, President