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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

SCCC's Open Letter to Occupy Seattle

Posted by on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 1:06 PM

Seattle Central Community College just issued an open letter to Occupy Seattle, which voted to move onto the private campus this Saturday, seemingly under the belief that the college will be more welcoming and hospitable the police watching Westlake Park. But the college's letter isn't exactly a red carpet. Instead it sends a slightly mixed message by warning Occupiers of an outright prohibition on camping—saying that it "may" seek sanctions—and asks protesters not to disrupt activities:

Open Letter to Occupy Seattle

Seattle Central Community College is committed to its mission of providing for jobs training and educational advancement for its students. Primary consideration is given at all times to activities related to this mission. Furthermore, no arrangements will be made that interfere with, or operate to the detriment of the college’s mission and providing for a safe learning environment.

Seattle Central Community College learned yesterday that Occupy Seattle protesters voted to move its base of operations to Seattle Central with the intent to camp on college property. Camping on college property is prohibited for all individuals and groups. If this rule is violated, the college may choose to impose its own sanctions, including criminal or civil prosecution.

More of SCCC's letter after the jump.

As an educational institution supported and maintained by the people of Washington state, Seattle Central supports the free speech rights of individuals and groups. However, as a State institution, Seattle Central neither sponsors nor endorses activities or opinions expressed by Occupy Seattle protesters. The college will not be liable for any injuries or damages whatsoever.

In addition, Occupy Seattle will not be allowed to interfere with any pre-existing lease agreements for legal and authorized use of its property. For example, the Broadway Sunday Farmers Market has a legal contract with Seattle Central Community College to stage the market on designated outdoor campus areas, including areas targeted by Occupy Seattle.

The Neighborhood Farmers Market Association (NFMA) has expressed concern about possible disruptions to its activities. NFMA holds contracts with 45 small local farms and businesses and any interruption of this event would create serious consequences to their revenues and to NFMA operations. Occupy Seattle will be required to provide recompense to the NFMA for any disruption of market activities, including access for set- up, take-down and sales.

In addition, Seattle Central’s authorized community engagement activities are also at risk of disruption. For example, this weekend the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce is producing a variety of events for Halloween in the Capitol Hill community, including on the college campus.

Seattle Central Community College fully expects Occupy Seattle protesters to respect and not interfere with any current or future authorized college or community activities, and to respond to the directive of college officials.

It reads like a regular Seattle-style red carpet.

 

Comments (13) RSS

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starsandgarters 1
Nicely done, SCCC. I support the Occupy movement in theory, but if it interferes with the lives and livelihood of the citizens, it's going the wrong way. I'd like to be able to attend the farmer's market this weekend without having to step over sleeping bag piles.
Posted by starsandgarters on October 26, 2011 at 1:10 PM
2
Can our Republic stand when its C+ students revolt and close down our community colleges?
Posted by Sugartit on October 26, 2011 at 1:26 PM
3
Typical institution-robot speak! Over-concern with the functioning of business as usual instead of considering how much good could come of this. Of course the occupation will try not to interfere with the farmer's market--I'm sure most of the farmers support occupy! Duh!

At least they aren't making any real threats, and it seems like things will go smoothly at SCCC, depending on what happens. How easily a school's administration forgets that the cuts are slicing their students' necks as well. I suppose it's easy to ignore as long as their salaries are stilling in the 6 digits, which I'm sure the college president's is...

Anyway, I'll be there!
Posted by bdurruti on October 26, 2011 at 1:49 PM
thatsnotright 4
Students are part of the 99% and should not be hindered in their attempts to improve their lot through education. I don't have a problem with this statement.
Posted by thatsnotright on October 26, 2011 at 1:59 PM
TheMisanthrope 5
Yay! We're going to protest on...private property that isn't a corporation and doesn't want us?

Way to make a stand...or something.
Posted by TheMisanthrope on October 26, 2011 at 2:12 PM
gloomy gus 6
Two-Block Radius Alert!
Posted by gloomy gus on October 26, 2011 at 2:22 PM
Phoebe on NE 79th 7
Enumclaw is nice.
Posted by Phoebe on NE 79th on October 26, 2011 at 2:48 PM
Kinison 8
Anarchist will ignore this and ruin it for everyone.

"What do we want!?"
"To squat on private property and get arrested!!"
"When do we want it?"
"SATURDAY!!!"
Posted by Kinison http://www.holgatehawks.com on October 26, 2011 at 3:12 PM
the duster 9
So basically SCCC doesn't want dorms for its own students?

Juuuust kidding, I enjoyed my time there.
Posted by the duster on October 26, 2011 at 3:36 PM
10
The Occupiers will be awake and on their way to Westlake before the Farmer's Market will set up.

Petitions are going around. The Occupiers are coming to campus.
Posted by suddenlyorcas on October 26, 2011 at 3:36 PM
Rev.Smith 11
@1 happily we'll have ample and inexpensive tomatoes to lob their way.

VOTE WITH YOUR TOMATOES!!!
Posted by Rev.Smith on October 26, 2011 at 4:52 PM
asteria 12
People like @3 are one of the reasons I quit going to protests several years ago. You can't tell the difference between most people's realities and your assumptions.
Posted by asteria on October 26, 2011 at 5:18 PM
13
yes, agreed asteria, silly people. Let's say that it is true the president makes 6 figures...and do you even know that for a fact (it IS public knowledge, after all)...do you know what it takes to be a college president? The amount of education, experience, and actual work? It is not an easy job, and shame on these people for dissing him, he is a good man, and is trying to do the best he can without causing a riot. go home occupy people! or at least, go to B of A or Key Bank etc...nto to SCCC, they cannot afford to house you there!
Posted by reeznble foke on October 26, 2011 at 9:46 PM

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