The following message was sent to the Lycoming College campus community on Sunday, April 30.
To the Campus Community:
We write with an update on the issues that have been raised by the incidents that caused postponement of the drag show originally scheduled for April 15.
After consultation with the student leadership of and faculty adviser to GSA, the decision has been made to reschedule the drag show during the 2023 fall semester. The choice of this time was influenced both by the need for more time to develop a proper security plan as well as challenges with the availability of performers and hosts. This scheduling will allow us to begin the 2023-24 academic year with a reaffirmation that Lycoming is a community committed to freedom of expression and welcoming of diverse identities.
We also want to share that the investigations into the incidents in the dining hall and recreation center have not produced any new information during the past week. Once again, we encourage anyone who observed or overheard either incident to contact Director of Public Safety Holly Bleam or report using the following lInk: https://www.lycoming.edu/public-safety/form-incident-report.aspx.
In addition, we have received a petition signed by 450+ students requesting that the administration take steps to improve campus safety. During the summer, we will evaluate options and develop a plan of action responsive to the concerns raised by this petition as well as similar concerns raised during the GSA meeting on April 17. As a first step, we are finalizing arrangements for Dr. Kerry Richmond and a team of three student interns to complete a campus security assessment and produce a written report with recommendations.
Finally, we want to commend the faculty and student life staff that organized the Hour of Pride gathering held on Wednesday, April 26. This celebration of Lycoming’s culture of inclusivity and love reminded all of us in a very visible way of Lycoming’s core values.
President Trachte
Dean Miller