The University is aware that Dannielle Brown has been publicly recruiting individuals to meet and protest with her at the entrance to Duquesne's campus today, Tuesday, September 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The University is communicating with her that trespassing on our campus and inviting others to do so is unacceptable.
Everyone on campus has been diligent in following COVID-19 protocols for safety and prevention, which includes actions beyond masking, social distance, and hygiene. Key to our safety efforts has been strict limitations on who can access campus. Visitors-including parents of our students-must register prior to visiting and observe safety protocols. Additionally, the University limits the size of gatherings as long as our safety measures are in effect. The protocols in place have kept our campus safe and must be followed. Non-affiliated visitors are not to trespass on Duquesne's campus.
Duquesne University is private property and clearly marked as such. While that has always been the case-media must register with the communications office, for instance, to enter campus-it is especially pertinent now. It is not acceptable to enter campus without permission nor is it acceptable to invite other unregistered or unaffiliated people to gather and deliberately trespass on private property.
Just as the University works to create a safe environment, it also works to maintain one that helps students to concentrate in classes and studies. Deliberate disruption of that environment is unacceptable, regardless of the reason. Last week, the University respectfully notified Ms. Brown that it had received numerous complaints regarding the noise from bullhorns used by her and her supporters. The noise disrupted people studying as well as nursing students taking exams in Gumberg Library. Noise that impedes our educational mission is not acceptable nor permissible.
The University has been accommodating in providing Ms. Brown space in order to express her views. Our top priority is and always will be the learning environment for our students and Duquesne will focus on their safety and on minimizing disruptions in that environment.
The University has communicated to Ms. Brown that she will not be permitted to enter, march, demonstrate, or protest on Duquesne's property without first gaining written approval from the University. Entering Duquesne's campus without written permission will result in further legal action.
Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities
for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly
8,000 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them
work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic
programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh
region have earned national acclaim.
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