Statement from Deans Elgren and Kalyn

At its most recent quarterly meeting, the Board of Trustees issued a statement responding to postings made to social media by Professor of Rhetoric and Composition Joy Karega. Board members, like many in the community, found the content in the postings to be anti-Semitic. Bigotry of any kind is deplorable and has no place at Oberlin College.

The Board turned to Oberlin’s faculty governance processes to consider the impact and consequences of these postings and to determine appropriate action for the college to pursue. These conversations have begun within the governing bodies and are moving as expeditiously as possible. As this is a confidential personnel matter, we cannot provide further specifics.

Oberlin recognizes the principle of academic freedom as foundational to the academy and this institution, and respects the right to free speech. While these principles and rights are non-negotiable, there are professional standards, expectations and responsibilities that must be recognized and upheld.

We are proceeding in a principled way that honors the privilege and responsibility of academic freedom, individual rights, and faculty governance.

Tim Elgren Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Andrea Kalyn Dean of the Conservatory