Highlights:
During this session, experts will guide you through the intricacies of managing protests on university campuses amid escalating global and domestic tensions. The panelists, including campus safety leaders from various universities, emphasized several key themes:
The Importance of Communication: Effective communication with all stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external agencies, was identified as crucial. Regular meetings and open dialogues help in maintaining preparedness and ensuring a coordinated response during protests.
Proactive Preparation: Institutions were encouraged to anticipate protests by developing comprehensive plans. This includes defining thresholds for response, engaging in tabletop exercises, and having clear protocols in place. Some campuses have adopted tiered systems to categorize and respond to different levels of disruption.
The Role of Technology: Social media and other digital platforms play a significant role in both monitoring potential protest activities and communicating with the campus community. Institutions are advised to leverage these tools for real-time intelligence and to foster engagement.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: Building strong relationships with student groups and external agencies, such as local law enforcement, is essential. This collaboration helps in managing protests effectively and ensuring the safety of all participants.
Strategies and Examples: Panelists shared strategies like engaging with student leaders to preemptively address concerns and using technology for mass notifications and real-time communication. They also highlighted the importance of understanding the legal landscape, especially for public versus private institutions.
Overall, the session underscored the need for continuous engagement, adaptability, and leveraging resources like those provided by IACLEA to maintain a safe campus environment during protest activities. The panelists encouraged institutions to remain vigilant and proactive, fostering a culture of safety and open expression.
Please email jason@criticalarc.com if our consulting services can benefit you in areas such as creating a campus security master plan or physical security assessments.