Harvard University has temporarily suspended library access for approximately two dozen faculty members following their participation in a silent study-in protest at Widener Library. This action was taken in response to earlier disciplinary measures against a group of students who had engaged in a similar protest.
Suspension Details
An unofficial suspension notice shared with Higher Ed Dive indicated that the affected faculty members would be barred from physically using the library until November 7, 2024. However, they will still have access to online library services and other campus facilities.
A spokesperson for the university has not provided further details regarding the suspensions, stating that Harvard does not comment on individual library access issues.
Background of the Protests
The faculty protests were initiated in response to the library’s decision to suspend pro-Palestinian students who held a study-in on September 21. During that event, students occupied a reading room while displaying signs protesting military actions in Lebanon. The organizing group, Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine, has advocated for the university to divest from companies associated with Israel.
On October 16, approximately 25 faculty members conducted a similar demonstration by occupying tables in the library’s reading rooms. Erik Baker, a history lecturer who participated in the protest, confirmed that he received a suspension notice.
Conduct of the Protest
During their silent protest, the faculty displayed reading lists and excerpts from university documents, including the library’s statement of values, which underscores the significance of reasoned dissent.
After about one hour of protest, security personnel informed the group that their actions violated library regulations regarding demonstrations. Each participant was subsequently notified of their suspension via email.
Reason for Suspension
The suspension notice cited the faculty members’ intent to attract attention through signage, a violation of the university’s policy against demonstrations within library spaces. Faculty members have until October 29 to appeal their suspensions and have been directed to contact Martha Whitehead, Vice President for Harvard Library, regarding any academic impacts from the suspension.
University’s Position
Martha Whitehead indicated that if library spaces are used for protests and demonstrations—regardless of the message—it could detract from their essential function as spaces for learning and research.
Concerns Raised
Concerns have been raised about the university’s handling of the situation, particularly in balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain a conducive learning environment. Alex Morey, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, noted that silent protests have historically been viewed as non-disruptive forms of expression.
Ongoing Discussions
Harvard University has recently attracted scrutiny regarding its management of protests, with ongoing discussions about the limits of free expression in academic environments. The library protests appear to be continuing, with similar initiatives emerging across the campus.
(Source: Higher Ed Dive)
