Campus Update

Published:
October 21, 2022

Dear students, faculty, and staff: 

As we prepare to return to classes on Monday, we are writing to provide the latest updates on campus safety and actions we are taking to mobilize our campus and community against racist harassment and vandalism.  

Today’s update includes the following topics: 

  • Academic Work 
  • Transportation 
  • Lighting and Neighborhood Watch 
  • Personal Safety Tools 
  • Educational Opportunities 
  • Community Partnerships

Academic Work

As we noted before fall break, Dean Beronda Montgomery and Chair of the Faculty Clark Lindberg sent a message to faculty calling for consideration and understanding of impact for Black students during this time, which was subsequently shared with staff and students. Students are invited to reach out to Joyce Stern, Dean for Student Success and Academic Advising, for support and planning. Discussions of academic responsiveness will continue with Executive Council after fall break. 

Transportation 

The Local Shuttle will continue to stop at the Conney M. Kimbo Black Cultural Center (BCC) as a part of its regular route. The shuttle is available for on-call transportation anywhere on campus, to off campus residences or from off campus residences to campus, and to Kum and Go and can be contacted through Campus Safety dispatch (4600 on campus or 641-269-4600). The shuttle driver will provide further support for neighborhood watch. As a reminder, Campus Safety need-a-ride service is available 24/7 and will be supplemented by the Dean on-call. Rides can be requested by calling Campus Safety.  

Lighting and Neighborhood Watch 

The Campus Lighting Committee meetings are being scheduled and the temporary lights will remain in place through the end of the semester. Placement of temporary lighting is being evaluated on an ongoing basis and may be adjusted to ensure driver and pedestrian safety. 

The volunteer neighborhood watch is being maintained by RLCs and Deans on Call and supported by shuttle drivers and Campus Safety; it will be evaluated at the end of the month. Stepped up patrolling of public streets will continue.  

  1. Anyone who witnesses an incident is asked to take one or more of the following actions: 
  2. Report racist harassment and vandalism to Grinnell Police at 641-623-5602 or 911  
  3. Call the Grinnell Police department at the same number if you know the individual(s) involved  
  4. Photograph license plate numbers of vehicles harassing citizens to give to police  

Any Grinnell College student, staff, or faculty who has knowledge of or has experienced a bias incident, on or off campus, can report it to the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT). The reporting person has the option to remain anonymous.  Reports may come from the person experiencing racist or discriminatory behavior, bystanders, witnesses, or someone who has heard about the incident from another member of the campus community. 

Personal Safety App and Tools 

The InformaCast alert button app is in development. Details will be shared next week, including a call for test users. Students, faculty, and staff may pick up safety kits, including whistles and flashlights, at the BCC (students only), Campus Safety, the Division of Student Affairs and the JRC information desk.   

Educational Opportunities 

Bystander intervention training will be implemented in November. To be notified when training is scheduled, please leave your contact information at 641-269-3407.  

Community Partnerships 

Raised awareness and mobilization in the community are resulting in the following actions: 

  • A call to action and reporting from the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce.  
  • Frequent meetings between College and City leadership to coordinate response. 
  • Letter of support from Alumni Council leadership to the alumni community. 
  • Full-page ad reprint of the call-to-action joint statement from College and City leadership in the Grinnell Herald-Register Newspaper.  

We will continue to provide updates on Tuesdays and Fridays through at least the end of October.  

Respectfully, 

Anne F. Harris, President   

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