To the Rutgers University–New Brunswick Community:
The arrests yesterday of seven current Rutgers students for assault,
robbery, and other charges are deeply troubling to everyone. The
alleged behavior is abhorrent and unacceptable anywhere; particularly so
at Rutgers, where we place such a high value on personal integrity and
respect for others.
Let me state the obvious: this behavior is not reflective of Rutgers or
of the members of our academic community. However, we must realize that
these arrests have the potential to shape an image of the University
that only we, together, can confront with a firm commitment to our
highest values.
Our code of student conduct is fair and outlines expectations for what
it means to be members of the Rutgers community. It lays out guidelines
for responsible behavior by students at Rutgers and we expect everyone
to abide by it. There are consequences for violations of the code, and
these students are facing those consequences in addition to facing very
serious criminal charges.
Five of these students were members of our football team, and they were
immediately suspended from the athletic program at the time of their
arrests. In addition, in accordance with university policy, the cases of
all seven students have been reviewed by the Dean of Students and, as
announced by Chancellor Edwards this morning, they have been placed on
interim suspension from the University. In accordance with our code of
conduct, the students do retain the right to appeal our decision. In
the meantime, however, they will not be permitted to enter the Rutgers
campus unless under supervision.
Rutgers is an outstanding academic institution whose students achieve
remarkable success both during and beyond their years here. We work hard
to create a rewarding experience for all our students, and fundamental
to that experience is the right to feel safe and secure. Every part of
the Rutgers administration, including student affairs, public safety,
and academic affairs, is committed to creating the best learning
environment. At the same time, we demand that our students behave with
honesty and integrity, and that they exercise personal responsibility
toward their fellow students, the greater community at Rutgers, and the
world beyond our gates.
Sincerely,
Robert Barchi
The arrests yesterday of seven current Rutgers students for assault,
robbery, and other charges are deeply troubling to everyone. The
alleged behavior is abhorrent and unacceptable anywhere; particularly so
at Rutgers, where we place such a high value on personal integrity and
respect for others.
Let me state the obvious: this behavior is not reflective of Rutgers or
of the members of our academic community. However, we must realize that
these arrests have the potential to shape an image of the University
that only we, together, can confront with a firm commitment to our
highest values.
Our code of student conduct is fair and outlines expectations for what
it means to be members of the Rutgers community. It lays out guidelines
for responsible behavior by students at Rutgers and we expect everyone
to abide by it. There are consequences for violations of the code, and
these students are facing those consequences in addition to facing very
serious criminal charges.
Five of these students were members of our football team, and they were
immediately suspended from the athletic program at the time of their
arrests. In addition, in accordance with university policy, the cases of
all seven students have been reviewed by the Dean of Students and, as
announced by Chancellor Edwards this morning, they have been placed on
interim suspension from the University. In accordance with our code of
conduct, the students do retain the right to appeal our decision. In
the meantime, however, they will not be permitted to enter the Rutgers
campus unless under supervision.
Rutgers is an outstanding academic institution whose students achieve
remarkable success both during and beyond their years here. We work hard
to create a rewarding experience for all our students, and fundamental
to that experience is the right to feel safe and secure. Every part of
the Rutgers administration, including student affairs, public safety,
and academic affairs, is committed to creating the best learning
environment. At the same time, we demand that our students behave with
honesty and integrity, and that they exercise personal responsibility
toward their fellow students, the greater community at Rutgers, and the
world beyond our gates.
Sincerely,
Robert Barchi
