Since Hampshire College was founded, our students, faculty, and staff have been committed to social justice through thought and action. To uphold this commitment we seek to foster a campus culture based in respect, empathy, and compassion. To help address critical issues, the President's Office when necessary convenes advisory councils and committees comprised of students, faculty, and staff, to provide recommendations toward ensuring that Hampshire remains an inclusive and nurturing place for all.
Committee on Historical Complaints of Sexual Harassment
Since Hampshire College was founded, our students, faculty, and staff have been committed to social justice through thought and action. To uphold this commitment we must foster a campus culture based in respect, empathy, and compassion. In 2016, three presidential advisory groups were created to address critical issues — of racism and other forms of bigotry, sexual misconduct and campus safety, and fostering constructive dialogue — to ensure that Hampshire is an inclusive and nurturing place for all.
The Advisory Council on Hampshire's Commitment to Anti-Racism consulted campus constituencies and thought broadly about the issues that Hampshire College needed to address about racism and supporting members of under-represented communities on campus. The Council hosted several informational and outreach meetings with different constituencies across campus. They also hosted a week of interactive exhibits and events, piloted a meal-ticket program to address students who were food insecure, and supported SPARC on the "Can we Talk?" session.
Hampshire College has a moral and a legal obligation to assure that every member of our community is protected from sexual assault and harassment, and to take action to investigate and address violations of federal or state laws, College policies, or community standards. Recommendations were made for education and training for students, staff, faculty, administration, and board members, as well as enhanced campus support services and communication.
The Advisory Council on Speaking Across Resilient Communities (SPARC) surveyed, examined, and embraced a vibrant campus community engaged in dialogue across a range of issue areas and socio-political concerns. Recommendations were made for enhancing effective communication strategies between and throughout classrooms and campus life.