Dear Students and Colleagues, 

Monday afternoon, a handful of individuals who are not affiliated with the university engaged in a demonstration outside Sullivan Hall. They shouted racist, homophobic and sexually disparaging words and phrases designed to elicit a strong emotional reaction from onlookers, and heckled students and other members of the Temple community. The demonstration failed to comply with university time, place and manner restrictions of our common areas. However, had the university taken steps to end the demonstration, it risked moving the individuals onto public sidewalks closer to a properly scheduled event happening at the Bell Tower or closer to academic programming, which could have been even more disruptive.  

The participants in the demonstration are known to Temple and the region. They are provocateurs who for many years have regularly visited area colleges and local events to spread their views. Let me be clear, the language used by these individuals was reprehensible, and it is contrary to everything this university stands for. In the strongest possible terms, we condemn racist or incendiary language; hate speech; calls to violence; and the disparagement of any person or persons based on religion, nationality, race, gender, sexual orientation or identity. 

Because we are a public university, visitors have access to unrestricted areas on our campus and their words—despite how vile they may be—are generally protected by the First Amendment. Additionally, since they are not members of our community, they are not subject to the Student Conduct Code or Employee Handbook, which require compliance with university policies including expectations for behavior and space reservation rules. We hold our community to a higher standard and applaud you for regularly conducting yourselves respectfully and professionally.   

I want to thank the Temple University Police Department for maintaining order during the demonstration. We appreciate all you do to keep our community safe. 

I also recognize that these events are likely to upset many members of the Temple community. Please take care of yourselves. Students can seek out support and guidance through Tuttleman Counseling Services and through the many resources available through IDEAL. 

For faculty and staff members, our employee assistance program offers support and resources 24/7 online or by calling 1-888-267-8126. 

I applaud the majority of attendees for seeing the demonstration for what it was and refusing to give it credence by engaging. Should these individuals return to campus, I implore all members of our community to simply ignore them. Denying them an audience or a reaction is the most effective way to reduce their motivation to visit our campus.   

Sincerely, 

John Fry 
President