President Wippman’s Writings & Remarks

In the last few days, I have received deeply distressing reports of antisemitic and Islamophobic comments and interactions on our campus. Such incidents are multiplying at colleges across the country, but I am appalled to find Hamilton among them.

Several students recently alerted us to ignorant, offensive, antisemitic comments made on Jodel, an anonymous app that allows users within a specific geographic region to communicate with each other, whether they are on campus or in the local area.
 

Dear Members of the Hamilton Community,

The recent terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel serve as a gruesome reminder to all of us that intentionally targeting civilians is abhorrent and criminal.

A two-century-old college has many traditions, including the long-standing practice of welcoming new students with music, signs, and tasteful costumes as they drive up College Hill Road.

This morning the United States Supreme Court ruled that the race-conscious admission programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina are unconstitutional, reversing over 40 years of precedent and forcing many colleges and universities across the country to revamp their admission processes. Our Admission Office has long been preparing for this outcome, and we are working with outside counsel and our New York Six partner institutions to study the decision and determine the best course of action. We will do everything we can within the law to ensure that Hamilton College remains a diverse and inclusive living and learning community.

Since arriving at Hamilton in 2016, I have witnessed time and again the unique bond students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and close friends build with this College.

I am delighted to announce that the goal for the Because Hamilton campaign has been reached. 

Several of you have written to ask that the College cancel classes Monday and Tuesday. We understand the concerns you have raised and the stress and anxiety created by last night's threat of an active shooter and police presence on campus.

I write to you today knowing how stressful the last 24 hours have been for our community after a threat of violence was posted on social media yesterday. 

Like many of you, I have been following the news about the shootings in California and the police violence in Memphis, events that evoke a range of emotions, including grief, frustration, and anger.