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Geopolitics and local issues threaten safe and inclusive learning environments, and inconsistent media responses worsen the problem.
In 2024, there have been several high-profile instances where college deans failed to take charge or make their stance clear on pressing issues, leading to significant student protests. Here are three notable examples:
Handling of Sexual Assault Allegations
At a major university, the dean's failure to address multiple sexual assault allegations transparently and effectively led to widespread protests. Students demanded comprehensive reform of the institution’s sexual assault policies, more support for survivors, and greater accountability for perpetrators.
Lack of Transparency
The dean did not provide clear updates on investigations or policy changes, leaving students feeling ignored and unsupported.
Delayed Response
The administration’s slow response to the allegations and subsequent backlash made students feel that the institution was not taking their concerns seriously.
Inadequate Support
There was a perceived lack of adequate resources and support for survivors, exacerbating the frustration and anger among the student body.
No means No
fizkes
Failing to address and communicate campus threats undermines trust in colleges and universities.
No means No
fizkes
Failing to address and communicate campus threats undermines trust in colleges and universities.
Response to Racial Incidents
At another prominent university, a series of racially charged incidents on campus were not promptly or adequately addressed by the dean, sparking protests demanding stronger measures against racism and more inclusive policies.
Ambiguous Stance
The dean's statements were perceived as vague and non-committal, failing to reassure students that meaningful actions would be taken.
Insufficient Action
The measures proposed by the administration were seen as insufficient and performative, lacking substantial changes to address systemic racism on campus.
Ignoring Student Voices
The administration did not engage in meaningful dialogue with student groups advocating for racial justice, leading to feelings of marginalization and distrust.
Safety and equality
monkeybusinessimages
With social policy progress comes inevitable pushback. Schools must better communicate their diversity policies.
Safety and equality
monkeybusinessimages
With social policy progress comes inevitable pushback. Schools must better communicate their diversity policies.
Climate Change and Sustainability Initiatives
At a leading university known for its environmental programs, the dean’s inaction on implementing effective sustainability initiatives and divesting from fossil fuels led to protests from environmentally conscious students.
Lack of Commitment
The dean did not commit to clear and ambitious sustainability goals, frustrating students who wanted their university to lead by example in combating climate change.
Poor Communication
The administration's communication on the issue was inconsistent, leaving students uncertain about the institution’s stance and plans for future actions.
Resistance to Divestment
The reluctance to divest from fossil fuel investments, despite widespread student support for the move, highlighted a disconnect between the administration and the student body’s priorities.
Think global, act local
Ceri Breeze
Climate change looms large for future generations. Universities need clearer ways to communicate their climate actions.
Think global, act local
Ceri Breeze
Climate change looms large for future generations. Universities need clearer ways to communicate their climate actions.
How the media and the public views these events
In these instances, the deans’ failure to take decisive action and communicate their positions exacerbated tensions. It led to significant student protests, highlighting the importance of transparent, responsive, and engaged leadership in higher education. Moreover, the way students and those who are agents of chaos exploited this narrative in the media, projecting an image that demands more extreme forms of intervention.
Protect your second most important asset
B4LLS
University reputations are crucial and can be damaged in one news cycle. A 24/7 communication strategy is essential.
Protect your second most important asset
B4LLS
University reputations are crucial and can be damaged in one news cycle. A 24/7 communication strategy is essential.
The right first step
While navigating these complex issues is challenging for all, there is one essential element of this process that colleges and universities have poorly handled: media relations. Instead of providing a 24/7 resource where journalists and the media can access stories on policies, responses and projection of value statements educational institutes have left journalists to seek out other, less credible and positive stories.
Meet journalists where they are
iStock
Adopting technology journalists use to research and illustrate stories is key for impactful media relations.
Meet journalists where they are
iStock
Adopting technology journalists use to research and illustrate stories is key for impactful media relations.
Get ahead of the narrative.
While Lookatmedia™ 24/7 online newsrooms are not the solution to these and future on-campus actions, they do provide a megaphone where deans and institutes can deliver a clearer understanding of the issues and provide greater context, demonstrating that their students are safe and productive and that the dean, faculty and management are listening to the protestors and working towards a resolution.
Enough said.
Farknot_Architect
Your school may have done a great job educating you, but if it doesn’t have a good reputation, it’s going to make your career harder." – Bill Gates
Enough said.
Farknot_Architect
Your school may have done a great job educating you, but if it doesn’t have a good reputation, it’s going to make your career harder." – Bill Gates
